Published by Harper Genres: Fiction, Horror, Paranormal, Supernatural
Format: Paperback
“What an excellent day for an exorcism.”
This is my second time reading The Exorcist. Most have either read the book or watched the movie. It’s a tale of possession but it is also so much more. The Exorcist also is the tale of one’s man questioning his faith and one mother’s love for her daughter.
Regan was eleven years old, when her actress mother, Chris MacNeil, noticed drastic changes in her daughter. Doctors were baffled by her shocking symptoms and believed that Regan was suffering from undiagnosed mental illness. Damien Karras: a priest and psychiatrist, believed that there was something more sinister going on and the church called for Father Merrin, to conduct an exorcism.
This book still stands and although it felt a little dated, delivered on the tension, unease, the dread, the creepiness, and the horror! The language, the scenes, the horror is very unsettling and does a great job making readers uncomfortable. With Regan’s body bent backwards in an unnatural shape, and the bed levitated, I still got chills. If you have seen the movie and not read the book, it will still be a worthwhile and chilling read.
I appreciated how the author had Chris MacNeil seeking out all forms of help for her daughter. She was willing to look at all avenues from medial to possession. What she finds is a priest questioning his faith and a fight ensues for a young girl’s soul.
Well written, horrific, shocking, and chilling.