prdblackwatch 's review for:

The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty

5.0

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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 The Exorcist has some of the richest, most beautifully evocative writing I've ever read. Places and people are illustrated with a depth and colour that injects them with life and gives them a distinct feeling and presence whenever they're discussed or introduced.

The dialogue is so natural and human, full of flaws and intonation that makes each conversation feel utterly believable, even in the face of paranormal occurrences and the depths of despair that are reached at points.

When I first started reading I was captivated by the opening, only to then, admittedly, lose a bit of interest on arrival to Washington DC. However, it only took a little bit of perseverance to be reunited with the atmosphere and character that made the opening as powerful as it was, and the book doesn't let up from there.

I've heard that Legion doesn't manage to capture the quality of the Exorcist, and so I'm wary to read it, but at the very least I know that I've seen the peak of what WPB has to offer, and I was not left disappointed.