THE EXORCIST- WILLIAM PETER BLATTY

Book: Hardcover with dust jacket. 1971. 340 pages. Good condition for age.

A review from a reader on Amazon.com: Compared to the 1973 movie version, the book spends a great deal more effort in keeping it a mystery as to whether a genuine possession is taking place or whether it is simply a case of mental hyperactivity that can be explained scientifically. In trying to keep the reader guessing as to the authenticity of the possession, the more suspenseful the story becomes and the more unsettling and disquieting the result is.

The book frequently posits logical explanations whenever a seemingly paranormal event takes place. For instance, Regan's imaginary friend "Captain Howdy", who is first believed to be the source of the possession, may simply indicate a guilt complex caused by the absence of her father, who is named Howard; and prior to her acting out certain occultist rituals, she may have read a book on witchcraft that a party guest had given to her mother. These and many other details in the book are all but ignored in the movie. The movie also differs greatly regarding the exorcism ritual itself; while the movie is pretty clear on how it ends, the book still entertains the thought that the guilt-striken Jesuit priest simply suffers a mental breakdown...

Also not adequately explained in the movie is that why the Jesuit priest, who has been so skeptical of the alleged possession, should have a change of heart and agree to perform an exorcism. The book explains this. Although he doesn't believe a possession has occurred, he believes the ritual of exorcism would actually serve some form of psychiatric treatment that no known scientific method can.

The book mentions many scientific theories on paranormal activities; while I'm no scientific expert and cannot tell how factual they are, they help to maintain an "investigative" style of storytelling that serves to heighten the drama.

The book will enhance your appreciation of the story even if you read it after having seen the movie.