Play Audiobook Sample
The Exorcist: A Novel Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(4.00) - 46,488 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
""A horror story for all midnights."" — The Boston Globe
Inspired by the shockingly true story of a child’s demonic possession in the 1940s, William Peter Blatty's iconic novel focuses on Regan, the eleven-year-old daughter of a movie actress residing in Washington, D.C. When sweet Regan's behavior turns sinister, a small group of overwhelmed yet determined individuals take it upon themselves to rescue the poor girl from her unspeakable fate. Timeless and terrifying, The Exorcist is a story that has gripped the public zeitgeist for more than half a century.
Originally published in 1971, it remains one of the most controversial novels ever written. A literary phenomenon soon after its release, it spent fifty-seven weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, seventeen consecutively at number one. It also became a wildly popular motion picture, garnering ten Academy Award nominations. On the opening day of the film, lines of fans stretched around city blocks. In Chicago, frustrated moviegoers used a battering ram to gain entry through the double side doors of a theater. In Kansas City, police used tear gas to disperse an impatient crowd who tried to force their way into a cinema. The three major television networks carried footage of these events, and CBS’s Walter Cronkite devoted almost ten minutes to the story. The Exorcist was, and is, more than just a novel and a film: it is a true landmark of American culture. . . and a reflection of our innermost fears.
Purposefully raw and profane, The Exorcist continues to engross and disturb readers. It remains an unforgettable reading experience that will continue to shock and frighten new generations of readers.
Download and start listening now!
"If you're a fan of the 1974 film, then this is an outstanding book in my opinion! The author wrote the film's script and this book was read by the author also, which makes it so riveting hour by hour because he has a good sounding voice. With your vivid imagination and the great narrative, this audio book version makes that wonderful movie seem like a good frozen TV dinner in comparison. Not to say the film is bad, especial the great director's cut edition is so good, but it's as though a new super extended version of the movie is playing in your head as he reads to you. All the extra scenes and nuances bring so much more beautiful color, chills and detail to that work of art."
— Jonah Olivo (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“There are not many readers who will be unmoved. Well researched, written in a literate style, The Exorcist is to most other books of its kind as an Einstein equation is to an accountant’s column of figures.”
— New York Times Sunday Book Review -
“Chilling.”
— Anthony Burgess, author of A Clockwork Orange -
“I consumed The Exorcist as if it were a bottomless bag of popcorn.”
— Life -
“Immensely satisfying, it holds its readers in a vise-like grip that is worthy of Poe.”
— Los Angeles Times -
“Populated with unforgettable characters, The Exorcist overflows with intelligence and insight and you will read it, if you’re wise, with every light on in your house and every light on in your brain.”
— L.A. Magazine
Awards
-
New York Times bestseller
The Exorcist Listener Reviews
-
" Completely awesome. Just like the movie. One of my all time favorite horror books. Actually much better than the movie. "
— Joy, 2/4/2014 -
" Not as scary as it was the last time I read it. "
— Tracy, 2/4/2014 -
" Bought this at the airport prior to a long plane journey. Despite having seen the film on several occasions I found this to be a compelling page-turner. The writing is literate and efficient and the central themes of humanity's struggle to find faith and hope when confronted by despair are subtly but powerfully conveyed. An excellent read. "
— Matt, 1/30/2014 -
" Read it after having seen the film, so obviously I went in with preconceptions. Loved it though. Much scarier than I expected, and definitely one of my favourite horror books so far. "
— Rebecca, 1/22/2014 -
" This book far exceeds the movie on so many levels. You not only understand Reagan better but the demon itself is more in the forfront. "
— Shae, 1/20/2014 -
" This is a frightening book, I read it as a teen and it scared the crap out of me, and it still has a deep downward spiral that sucks you in. Demonic possession at its finest, and unlike much horror, decently written. "
— les, 1/9/2014 -
" The demon possession is a secondary story. The Exorcist is actually about Damian Karras, a man who has lost his faith and must now somehow find it. I love this character. One of my favorite literary portraits of a man of he cloth. "
— Lynette, 1/5/2014 -
" It was okay...The beginning was brilliant and interesting. But the end was really hard to read, beccause confusing. But all in all it was a good book. "
— Xxjenniferxx, 10/18/2013 -
" i had seen the movie before reading the book and i love both of them. the movie put everything together alot better i thought but the book had an interesting background and was still a very good read. great scare! "
— Susannah, 9/21/2013 -
" This book is somewhat different from the movie, which is nota bad thing. This disturbing look into demon possession is as chilling in print as it was on the silver screen. "
— Larry, 5/14/2013 -
" Decent, though rather heavy-handed in its imagery and some of the characters are unbelievable to the point of parody. A quick read. "
— Joel, 11/27/2012 -
" Never thought I would say this, but the movie is much better! "
— Hema, 9/30/2012 -
—
tracy white, 8/20/2012
-
" The only book that has kept me awake at night when I wasn't reading it. "
— Demian, 8/16/2012 -
" I read this in one sitting as I was hooked from page one. I'd read many horror stories but this one was so real and I still hate attics even now. "
— Gerald, 7/30/2012 -
" I read this book in college at night before I went to bed. This was not a good idea because it was such a terrifying read that I had to sleep with the light on every night I was drawn into it. The book was much scarier than the movie. "
— Alex, 7/29/2012 -
" a classic must read for horror fans "
— Rob, 2/21/2012 -
" The book was great, but the movie was so good, that for once, I have to say the movie was better. (This is extremely rare.) I definitely had nightmares for a while after the movie. "
— Tanya, 2/17/2012 -
" Read when I was still a young teenager and it became the 2nd most important reason I became a horror writer "
— K., 1/17/2012 -
" kinda slow in spots but better than the movie "
— Brittany, 11/17/2011 -
" I think one needs to have been brought up Catholic, or at least Christian, for this book to be really effective. It's well enough written that I finished it, but when I was done I wasn't sure why I bothered. "
— Lawrence, 11/8/2011 -
" Exorcism rites is 16th century. This book makes you think twice about the revival and the journey to the so-called world of our own :D "
— Dipa, 11/4/2011 -
" Bone chilling spine tingling skin crawling horror at its best!!! <br/> <br/>Pzuzu is one mean son of a ***** .... the acts and thoughts of a malevolent spirit told in a shocking manner. Loved it. "
— Shanawaz, 11/2/2011 -
" Recently reread this one. Its about the priest, not the kid. A believable protrayal of Dr. Karras and his conflict and doubt. "
— Sydney, 10/31/2011 -
" Even better than the movie (of course), and surprisingly well written. I had very low expectations in that regard, but the whole thing was captivating. Disturbing, vulgar, and creepy, as well. Highly recommend, if you have the stomach for it. "
— Callie, 10/23/2011 -
" This book scared the hell out of me. "
— Matthew, 10/15/2011 -
" Very different from the movie (books always are, aren't they?) the movie obviously focused on the demon more--the book focused on building a case for the exorcism in the church. It was a good read. A little cheesy at times, but worth reading--especially around Halloween! "
— Lauren, 10/10/2011 -
" My mom made me read this book when I was in 8th grade. Was she trying to put the fear of god in me? Dunno. It certainly scared the bejesus out of me, which led me on a reading spree of macabre fiction. "
— Monica, 10/10/2011 -
" unbelievably well written, a beautiful piece of literature "
— Chris, 10/5/2011 -
" Amazing book it was really scary and thrilling i really do recremend this book to people who love horror =) <br/> "
— Tatiana, 9/26/2011
About William Peter Blatty
William Peter Blatty is a writer and filmmaker. The Exorcist, written in 1971, is his magnum opus; he also penned the subsequent screenplay, for which he won an Academy Award. His most recent works include the novels Elsewhere, Dimiter, and Crazy.
About William Peter Blatty
Eliana Shaskan, a voice-over artist, has worked extensively in animation and narration. Among her numerous audiobook titles are The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty and the New York Times bestselling Pinkalicious series.