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The Exorcist

By: William Peter Blatty
Narrated by: William Peter Blatty
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Publisher's Summary

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.

©2011 William Peter Blatty 1971 (P)2011 Harper Audio 2011, published in the UK by Random House Audiobooks

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Masterpiece!

It was my honour to hear this story read by Mr Blatty himself. This harrowing tale of demonic possession, and the desperation of a loving mother has become a horror classic, and for good reason - it's frightening, harrowing, but incredibly touching. If you enjoyed the movie you will only fall more in love after hearing Mr Blatty so beautifully read you his tale. If you consider yourself a horror fan you owe it to yourself to take this terrifying journey. "What an excellent day for an exorcism"....

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Classically horrific

I'd head about this classic for a long time now. While it's known as a horror novel that spawned the acclaimed film of the same name, the book transcends genres much like Father Karras does at the end of the tale.

What Blatty has done brilliantly, is walk the fine line between horror and poetry. His descriptions of place are as beautifully poignant as his exploration into human nature. As much as this novel is about a possession, Blatty uses it to delve deeper into the meaning of faith, loss, and the connections we build with other people. Of course, one cannot discount the carnage that is the possessed Regan. And while Blatty delves deep into the science of psychology, and gives an insight into humankind, he also doesn't shy away from trauma and the darkest side of the occult.

On the other hand, I was not surprised to find it narrated by the author himself. The narrator has such an intimate knowledge of the voice of the characters, that he captures and delivers the tone of the scene perfectly. I would however, encourage listeners to download the file in HD, as Blatty's gravelly voice makes phrases unintelligible at times.

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4 people found this helpful

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Excelente

Uno de los mejores libros de su genero, tal como la película, y con esta edición es mejor escucharlo de su autor.

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The Exorcist

Loved it. Though it was a little slow to get started. Even scarier than the movie!

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Amazing

Absolutely loved it, very scary at times. Great performance. I highly recommend this book.

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Wow. Blatty does an amazing job.

I just loved this book so much. W.P. Blatty reads his own work with passion, integrity and intensity. I was truly moved. An amazing experience.

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Couldn't put it down

Slow at first but once I got into the story I couldn't put it down! Bit disturbing and scary at times. Love this narrater too

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Just incredible.

I'll rarely rate an audiobook so highly but this is just it. Performed exceptionally well by the author - each character comes across uniquely. The story is riveting as are the dialogues between Karas and the possessed Regan. I wouldn't say it was scary but I also wouldn't listen to it in a dark room at night. Will listen to it many more times.

One side note - on my first listen I found the first chapter slightly difficult to get through but after that it became really clear.

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Magnificent story but amazing narration

What a wonderfully narrated historical novel!
The Exorcist is a gripping thriller and horror story that journeys to questions of the anti-Christ! It’s historical in so much as it’s regarded as one of the most scary and thrilling stories, especially the movie.

However, being read by the author increases the potency of the story.

Mr Blatty adds a significant passion and commitment to the story, the characters and mystery. I must confess though that my favourite character is the detective, whom I could not stop likening to Inspector Columbo!

Thank you Mr Blatty for making this such a compelling thriller story to listen to.

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