7-30-2026 Latham's Last Words: The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
- Donna Latham
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
Welcome to Latham's Last Words, where I give you my last words on vintage horror books I've enjoyed. Let's look at The The Exorcist from 1971.
Going into this book after having grown up watching the movie I had some preconceived notions on what to expect. I thought for sure since the book and the movie both came out in the 70's they had to be pretty close to the same. I did find the book pretty similar to the movie, but there were some major differences.
The first thing I'll say about the book is the it needed more Pazuzu and less psychiatry/medical scenes. I guess it made sense at the time, mental illness versus possession. Maybe that was the author's intention, because at that time accepting and treating mental illness was really getting started. I felt at times it was more a textbook than a fiction story about a possessed girl.
There were so many facets to the story. Regan and her relationship with her mother Chris and her absent father. Chris' lack of faith, but finally turning to the church for help when all else fails. Father Karras and his guilt towards his mother being put into a nursing home as well as his inner turmoil over his relationship with the church. Father Merrin finding the artifact and his role as mentor to Father Karras during the exorcism. All of this combines to make an interesting story.
One part of the story that I didn't find necessary was Kinderman's relationship with his daughter. I just don't think that had an integral part to play in the plot. If that had been left out I don't think it would have made a difference.
Some of it was unbelievable as well, yes I know it's fiction and doesn't need to be believable, but doctors performing a spinal tap on Regan while she's at home was just too ridiculous to believe. Although, maybe in the 70's that's what doctors did.
I did give the book a 4 star rating simply because it kept my interest throughout and there were some definite creepy moments that made me want to sleep with the lights on.
If you have not seen the movie, I highly suggest reading the book first. Not for additional context, but simply to make you appreciate the movie more.
Get it here!
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