The Exorcist (Book)

The source of the movie that introduced many of us to demons and their expulsion: a mother desperately turns to the church to help her sick daughter, unsure of what is happening to her. A priest, having his own crisis of faith, attempts to save the girl from whatever is happening to her.

The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty hardly needs an introduction, as far as the topic is concerned. You can’t really get into horror without somebody throwing the movie as one of the best to do it- and rightfully so. 

But we are meeting here today to discuss the book, not the movie. 

And let me tell you, the book is just as good as the movie, probably better. If for some reason you haven’t heard about The Exorcist, here’s the premise: a little girl becomes possessed by an evil spirit of some sort, and a priest must investigate whether she is truly possessed or suffering from a mental disorder of some sort. What doesn’t help the situation is the fact that the priest, who is also a psychiatrist, has been suffering from issues with his faith. As he interviews the young girl and probes into the possession, he remains unsure of whether he is dealing with a little girl suffering from a disorder resulting from the guilt of her parent’s divorce, or with a demonic spirit that has taken over the child. After determining the case deserves an exorcism, things pick up pretty quickly from there.

Like I said at the start of this, the book might be better than the movie in my humble opinion. But I tend to think that of a lot of books that have been turned into movies. For example, the book contains more detail than the movie, especially when it comes to the police investigation and the inner-thinkings of Father Karras. Super insightful stuff- and I do believe that the investigation details give more depth to the story that the movie doesn’t really get to dive into. The details are also more graphic when it comes to the investigation and what has been going on in the city before the exorcism occurs. 

The book is around 330 pages long, and my biggest complaint is I want more: more details on the demon, more on the priests performing the exorcism, and more on that tomb that the story starts out with. There is so much of interest that the story gives, but so little to get from the book. More detail would be great. Otherwise, besides that, It’s a great book that’s easy to read and definitely keeps you entertained. 

Rating: I give this book 10 out of 10 spinning heads. It is a creepy book that led to a movie that shaped (scared) people for years to come.

Looking for what else to get into? If you are looking for a movie, start with The Exorcist. It’s well made and has aged very well as far as the story and effects are concerned (hardly seems dated). You can also check out anything in The Conjuring universe, as the movies have a great story, great cast, and cover the same subject. I’m also a fan of The Ammittyville Horror (the original and the remake). If you haven’t seen either, stop reading and start there.

As far as books, check out The Turn of The Screw by Henry James. A woman believes the children she is watching over may be haunted by former workers of the estate she is staying at. As she attempts to protect the children, she realizes she may be too late. Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlow is also a great story, though a bit older. A man sells his soul for 24 years of unlimited magic and the assistance of a demon. As his time draws to a close, he begins to wonder whether it was all worth it- and if it is too later to stop it.

As always, I am always open to suggestions when it comes to books and movies of the macabre. Shoot your suggestions below!

Until next time…
-M