LADY ELEANOR URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: The Exorcist: 40th Anniversary Edition - William Peter Blatty

Release Date: 13/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

Father Damien Karras: 'Where is Regan?' Regan MacNeil: 'In here. With us'. The terror begins unobtrusively. Noises in the attic. In the child's room, an odd smell, the displacement of furniture, an icy chill. At first, easy explanations are offered. Then frightening changes begin to appear in eleven-year-old Regan. Medical tests fail to shed any light on her symptoms, but it is as if a different personality has invaded her body. Father Damien Karras, a Jesuit priest, is called in. Is it possible that a demonic presence has possessed the child! Exorcism seems to be the only answer...First published in 1971, "The Exorcist" became a literary phenomenon and inspired one of the most shocking films ever made. Freshly polished and expanded by the author, including new dialogue, a new character and a chilling new extended scene, this unique fortieth anniversary edition provides an unforgettable reading experience that has lost none of its power to shock - and is poised to terrify a new generation of readers.


REVIEW:

I’m a huge fan of the horror genre and whilst I had seen the film a few times I’d never had the chance to read the book before this, the 40th Anniversary edition landed on my doorstep. So having prepared myself to have a read of the film script I got so much more from it as the author’s research not only informed you about various procedures and rites but also left you wondering whether the problem was psychological rather than spiritual right up until the titles end.

It has great pace, took you in many directions whilst maintaining a solid structure alongside giving the reader great characters to associate with. Add to this a level of skill that many modern writers have sadly lost which means that this story that has stood the test of time. Finally add to the mix that the tale is based around a case from the 1930’s and it’s a book that is well worth the time. So much so that I ended up asking my other half if they’d stay awake as I didn’t want to read it on my own so much so that for me, it’s a real treat for Halloween.