whosthistyler's review against another edition
5.0
waffling between 4 and 5 stars. there were few things I disliked.
looneysoysauce's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Medical trauma, Religious bigotry, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Body horror, Gore, Mental illness, Murder, Sexual content, Violence, Injury/injury detail, Suicide, and Medical content
Moderate: Addiction, Chronic illness, Confinement, Drug use, Death of parent, Excrement, Grief, Alcohol, and Drug abuse
Minor: Homophobia, Forced institutionalization, and Antisemitism
bumblebabe's review against another edition
2.0
I can't see how this book has 4 stars. The only redeeming thing about it are the few possession scenes which give it at least some horror atmosphere.
The mom is an incredibly annoying character with a mixture of pick-me, boss-babe and rich-and-famous-but-still-liberal-and-lovabe-vibe.
The first person who dies is an absolute asshole about who's death everyone should be excited and the only character trait of the girl is the she's diabetically-sweet and gives her mother a rose every morning (where tf does she get all those roses from),
the supporting characters of the housekeepers and the secretary have really useless plot points (like why did the dude in Karras dreams tell him to stay away from sharon), the ending is very disappointing and most infuriatingly the scene which shoud have been the most dramaric and epic one: the final fight between the demon and the priest ist near to nonexistent and absolutely not satisfying.
If you want demonic possession research the case of Anneliese Michel or the actual inspiration for the book Robbie Mannheim. This book is not it.
The mom is an incredibly annoying character with a mixture of pick-me, boss-babe and rich-and-famous-but-still-liberal-and-lovabe-vibe.
The first person who dies is an absolute asshole about who's death everyone should be excited and the only character trait of the girl is the she's diabetically-sweet and gives her mother a rose every morning (where tf does she get all those roses from),
the supporting characters of the housekeepers and the secretary have really useless plot points (like why did the dude in Karras dreams tell him to stay away from sharon), the ending is very disappointing and most infuriatingly the scene which shoud have been the most dramaric and epic one: the final fight between the demon and the priest ist near to nonexistent and absolutely not satisfying.
If you want demonic possession research the case of Anneliese Michel or the actual inspiration for the book Robbie Mannheim. This book is not it.
lsm's review against another edition
4.0
Probably the most obscene book I've ever read but don't let that scare you away. It's a really good read. I agree with my friend Shandon's pov. the most terrifying aspect is how every possible explanation is explored before they finally determine Regan is most likely possessed by something terrible. If you're into horror then this is a must-read.
Be warned that people WILL give you funny looks when you read this in public. It's still got a powerful reputation.
Be warned that people WILL give you funny looks when you read this in public. It's still got a powerful reputation.
jmbreslin's review against another edition
5.0
So happy I finally decided to read this book! For years, the Exorcist has always been my go to "it's October must watch a scary movie" choice. I am not a fan of slasher films and demonic possession seems to be my favorite trope. However, I never wanted to read the book. For one, since I probably could narrate the film verbatim I simply thought it would be a waste of my time. I was so wrong! I loved the book. There are not so many variances albeit the subtle addition of details makes the story line more complete. Oddly, despite knowing exactly where the book would lead with every turn of the page I couldn't put it down and just wanted to keep going. If you love the movie- read the book. I don't think you would be disappointed - it is a short read that has great flow and the story still comes alive. Now should I read the Omen?
edmunddantes95's review against another edition
4.0
After finally getting around to reading the book the infamous film was based on, I have to say that it may be the most closely adapted screenplay I have seen. The film very closely follows the book.
William Peter Blatty develops all of the characters he introduces to the reader, to the extent you are very much invested in the outcomes of all of them, even Karl the infallible robotic servant of the house.
Having watched the movie first, a mortal sin, I still found many of the scenes of possessed Regan still shocked me as a reader which goes to show how well the story was written. William Peter Blatty builds up the suspense perfectly before shocking you with the latest Pazuzu outburst.
The book also gives a lot more background character development for the priests while more importantly demonstrating some evidence of actual police work surrounding the increasing bodycount at the hands of Pazuzu, rather than simply closing the case of a man being found with his head the wrong way around!
I think the book could probably have been shorter, showing the same fatal editorial mistakes as a Scorsese film. There also did not seem to be much point in the prologue situated in Iraq, otherwise I could have easily given this a 5*
A thoroughly enjoying read and a successful horror book.
William Peter Blatty develops all of the characters he introduces to the reader, to the extent you are very much invested in the outcomes of all of them, even Karl the infallible robotic servant of the house.
Having watched the movie first, a mortal sin, I still found many of the scenes of possessed Regan still shocked me as a reader which goes to show how well the story was written. William Peter Blatty builds up the suspense perfectly before shocking you with the latest Pazuzu outburst.
The book also gives a lot more background character development for the priests while more importantly demonstrating some evidence of actual police work surrounding the increasing bodycount at the hands of Pazuzu, rather than simply closing the case of a man being found with his head the wrong way around!
I think the book could probably have been shorter, showing the same fatal editorial mistakes as a Scorsese film. There also did not seem to be much point in the prologue situated in Iraq, otherwise I could have easily given this a 5*
A thoroughly enjoying read and a successful horror book.
alexandr1ne's review against another edition
5.0
Almost DNFed this at about 50% (after the infamous crucifix scene) but I stuck it out, giving myself the grace to skip/skim sections as needed. This novel feels very overlooked in favour of its film counterpart despite its indisputable status as a classic of the horror genre, although I would seriously advise anyone with specific (and especially sexual) triggers to take those into account before reading.
Thematically, The Exorcist is just excellent (I was surprised at its depth and pleased with how well it developed its characters; horror in general I find is more susceptible a lack of character development, with a focus on 'the scare' above all other narrative elements) and truly, truly frightening. A book I’m glad to have read, but cannot imagine myself willingly revisiting
Thematically, The Exorcist is just excellent (I was surprised at its depth and pleased with how well it developed its characters; horror in general I find is more susceptible a lack of character development, with a focus on 'the scare' above all other narrative elements) and truly, truly frightening. A book I’m glad to have read, but cannot imagine myself willingly revisiting
puffball's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Having seen the movie years ago, I had an idea of what to expect from this book, but it was still incredibly unsettling and stressful to read. It was fast paced, well written, and I couldn’t put it down from start to finish. Any fan of horror would enjoy this book.