41 pages • 1 hour read
The Exorcist
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Book Brief
403
Novel • Fiction
Georgetown, Washington D.C. • 1970s
1971
Adult
18+ years
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.
Unnerving
Dark
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
253,408 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
253,408 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Regan MacNeil
Regan MacNeil
The young daughter of Chris MacNeil, initially portrayed as an innocent girl with artistic talent. Her unsettling changes are central to the unfolding events of the story.
Damien Karras
Damien Karras
A Jesuit priest and psychiatrist who grapples with his faith and guilt. He is deeply involved in the unfolding events concerning Regan, bringing both religious and scientific perspectives.
The Demon
The Demon
An antagonistic force that possesses Regan and presents a malevolent challenge to the other characters, revealing and amplifying their fears and insecurities.
Burke Dennings
Burke Dennings
A British film director and friend of Chris MacNeil, known for his heavy drinking and often abrasive behavior, which lands him in troubling situations.
403
Novel • Fiction
Georgetown, Washington D.C. • 1970s
1971
Adult
18+ years
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