41 pages 1 hour read

William Peter Blatty

The Exorcist

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1971

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty follows Chris MacNeil, an actress whose daughter, Regan, exhibits increasingly disturbing behavior after playing with a Ouija board. Medical and psychiatric interventions fail, leading Chris to seek help from Father Karras, a priest undergoing a crisis of faith. Karras teams up with the experienced exorcist Father Merrin to confront the malevolent force possessing Regan. The novel contains depictions of distressing mental and physical health conditions and disturbing religious imagery.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Reviews of William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist highlight its intense and gripping narrative, which masterfully blends horror with psychological drama. Praised for its strong character development and eerie atmosphere, it has become a classic of the genre. However, some critics find its pacing uneven and the graphic content disturbing. Overall, it's a seminal work that still evokes a powerful reaction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Exorcist?

A reader who would enjoy The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty likely appreciates psychological horror, supernatural elements, and intense narratives. Fans of Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin or The Shining by Stephen King will find similar chilling atmospheres and thought-provoking themes in this iconic novel.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Themes

Relationships: Family