The Exorcist: A Terrifying Classic of American Horror
"A horror story for all midnights." —The Boston Globe
"Read the book. It’s an experience you will never forget."—St. Louis Post-Dispatch
The phenomenal #1 bestseller that inspired the classic motion picture, a landmark of supernatural horror that remains the most terrifying and unforgettable novel ever written.
Originally published in 1971, The Exorcist is a bestselling literary phenomenon and remains one of the most frightening and controversial novels ever written.
Based on true events of a child’s demonic possession in the 1940s, The Exorcist tells the story of eleven-year-old Regan MacNeil and her mother Chris, a famous actress and doting mother. When Regan’s personality unexpectedly shifts and she starts exhibiting disturbing, often violent behavior, her desperate mother is driven to seek help from two Catholic priests, men who will risk everything—including their own souls—in a terrifying rite of exorcism to free the girl from the ancient malevolent force possessing her.
Purposefully raw and profane, this landmark of classic horror still has the extraordinary ability to shock readers and cause them to forget that it is "just a story." More than fifty years after its initial publication, The Exorcist remains a truly unforgettable reading experience.
- A great read for spooky-season nights
- A perfect addition to any Halloween reading list
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Community Reviews
When Regan begins exhibiting violent and disturbing behavior, her mother becomes desperate for answers beyond medical explanation. As Regan’s condition worsens, it becomes clear that she is possessed by a demonic entity. Father Damien Karras, a priest struggling with his own crisis of faith, is called in to assess the situation. Ultimately, he joins veteran exorcist Father Merrin in a harrowing battle to save Regan’s soul from the powerful demon controlling her.
This one was a Not-So-Buddy-Buddy-Read with my husband and it ended up being perfect for October! The atmosphere was eerie, unsettling, and everything I wanted from a classic possession story. While the writing style was a bit difficult at times (very dense and old-school), the overall plot was absolutely wild. It had me creeped out, shocked, and fully entertained the entire time. We ended up watching the movie too, which honestly I didn't like- they skimmed over a lot of details and parts. The book is always better!
Trigger Warnings: Demonic possession, violence, child endangerment, medical trauma, graphic language, self-harm, death, gore, sexual content, psychological terror, religious trauma, bodily harm
In conclusion, The Exorcist is a novel that deserves to be read and reread. It is an experience that transcends the horror genre, offering a relentless and raw investigation into the conflict between reason and faith, and how innocence can become the ground for a cosmic battle. The missing fourth star is a small tribute to its complex nature, which may not please everyone but will, without a doubt, leave no one indifferent.
I highly recommend reading the 40th Anniversary Edition, revised and corrected by the author himself, which represents the definitive version of the novel as Blatty intended it to be remembered.
I highly recommend reading the 40th Anniversary Edition, revised and corrected by the author himself, which represents the definitive version of the novel as Blatty intended it to be remembered.
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