The Exorcist

by William Peter Blatty
The Exorcist cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Horror
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 7601
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780552156882
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2007-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

In 'The Exorcist,' a young girl named Regan MacNeil begins to exhibit terrifying changes in behavior, leading her mother to seek help from a priest. The horror escalates as the priest, Father Damien Karras, realizes that Regan is possessed by a malevolent entity. The novel explores themes of faith, doubt, and the supernatural, delivering a gripping and unsettling narrative that has become a classic in the horror genre. /n/n The story is not just a tale of exorcism but also a deep dive into the psychological and emotional turmoil of the characters involved. The atmospheric tension and vivid descriptions make 'The Exorcist' a timeless masterpiece that continues to haunt readers decades after its publication.

Reviews
Beware the Moon · 2024-03-12
great 4.00

The book is beautifully crafted with vivid characters and a measured pace. Some of the writing can be a bit flowery and drawn out.

The reviewer from Beware the Moon praises 'The Exorcist' for its beautiful craftsmanship and vivid characters. They appreciate the measured pace of the story, which allows the horror to build effectively. However, they note that some parts of the writing can be a bit flowery and drawn out, which might slow down the reading experience. Despite this, the overall impact of the book is strong, with a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged. The balance between character development and horror elements is well-executed, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    The book is beautifully crafted - filled with vivid characters and a measured pace.

    Sure, some of the writing can be a bit flowery and drawn out.

    The balance between character development and horror elements is well-executed.

Opinions of a Wolf · 2023-09-26
brilliant 4.75

This is a complex book of theological horror that keeps the plot moving forward with multiple threads and compelling scenes. It takes the time to explore deep themes and ideas.

The reviewer from Opinions of a Wolf describes 'The Exorcist' as a complex book of theological horror that successfully keeps the plot moving forward with multiple threads and compelling scenes. They appreciate how the book takes the time to explore deep themes and ideas, adding layers of depth to the narrative. The theological aspects of the story are particularly engaging, making it a thought-provoking read. The balance between horror and theological exploration is well-executed, making it a standout in the genre. The reviewer finds the book to be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.

Quick quotes

    This is a complex book of theological horror.

    It keeps the plot moving forward with multiple threads and compelling scenes while also taking the time to explore deep themes and ideas.

    The balance between horror and theological exploration is well-executed.

georgelthomas.com · George L. Thomas · 2023-03-03
thoughtful 4.00

The book is a good scary story that explores themes such as faith, redemption, and innocence lost through the arcs of each character. It balances horror with deeper philosophical questions.

In this review, the author highlights how 'The Exorcist' is not just a horror novel but a deeply thematic exploration of faith, redemption, and the loss of innocence. They appreciate how the story weaves these elements together, making it a compelling read beyond just its scares. The characters' arcs are particularly noted for their depth and the way they contribute to the overall narrative. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page, not just for its horror elements but for its profound themes.

Quick quotes

    As well as being a good scary story, the book explores themes such as faith, redemption, and innocence lost through the arcs of each character.

    The Exorcist is a novel that delves deep into the human condition, using horror as a vehicle to explore our deepest fears and beliefs.

    The characters are vividly drawn, and their struggles make the story resonate on a deeper level.

Amazon · 2023-01-01
excellent 4.50

The novel is a great modern classic with depth and complexity, surpassing its famous movie adaptation. It offers a rich and layered story that keeps readers engaged.

This review praises 'The Exorcist' as a great modern classic, noting that the novel's depth and complexity surpass its famous movie adaptation. The reviewer loves how the story delves into the characters and their struggles, making it a rich and layered experience. They appreciate the nuanced portrayal of good versus evil and the way the narrative keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It's a book that stands the test of time, offering a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Great modern classic novel. William Peter Blatty wrote both the novel and the screenplay.

    The movie is also a great classic, but I love the depth of the story in the novel.

    The novel's exploration of good versus evil is both fascinating and deeply unsettling.

Appears in Lists