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Sunday Classics: The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty

One of the greatest horror stories of all time turns 50

The movie gave us sleepless nights, but those who have read The Exorcist swear that it is infinitely more frightening than the 1973 film. Building on common horror tropes like unexpected noises from the attic (duh!), furniture in random places and an unfamiliar chill in the air, this 400-page read is petrifying. Despite the jitters (or perhaps because of it), reading The Exorcist  is an experience like no other (as is watching it). Dotted with numerous hair-raising moments,  the narrative is gripping and runs at an exhilarating pace. 

Written by William Peter Blatty, this book was originally published in 1971, and completes 50 years in 2021. Upon its release, the book took the literary world by storm – it was unlike anything ever written before. Even now, half a century later, very few books in the genre have managed to match its terrific (and terrifying) storytelling. 

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