‘An Exorcist Explains the Demonic’ by Fr. Gabriele Amorth Book Review By Fiza Pathan The correct title of this serious and profound book is ‘An Exorcist Explains the Demonic: The Antics of Satan and His Army of Fallen Angels’ by late Fr. Gabriele Amorth, edited by Stefano Stimamiglio and translated into English by Charlotte J. Fasi. I, as an existentialist Catholic, was greatly moved by this book which I finished in a matter of a few days because of mainly one thing: the authors absolutely humility. I have read a lot of books about the Christian faith, but this was the first time I came across a ‘non braggart’ book which touched my soul and therefore I’m reviewing it here in the form of a blog post on insaneowl.com. To all the Catholics out there, I advise you to pick up this book and follow the invaluable words of experienced wisdom that Fr. Amorth has brought to our attention especially where demonic possession is concerned. I want to highlight here that this is not a ‘thrilling read’ or ‘an entertaining read’. It is spiritual literature which must be treated with the respect it deserves. So please don’t read the book if you are looking for something in the line of ‘horror’ or ‘terror’. Now coming back to my book review. I have watched the film ‘The Exorcist’ as well as read the book by William Peter Blatty. I felt the book was scarier, WAY SCARIER than the film but that just could be me. I remember reading the book which I borrowed from the Victoria’s Library (Mahim) in 2017. I read it every night after a day of teaching non-stop and writing in my office-cum-writing hut. The damn book creeped the hell out of me! Ever since then I’ve been roaming around with a wooden cross in my bag whenever I go out to shop for books. That’s the only time I go out! Otherwise for business purposes, people must come to my office-cum-writing hut to meet me, I don’t go out – I should change my name one of these days to Bugenhaegen!!! (remember ‘The Omen’) Well, after I read the book, I was spooked. My family told me that it was just an exaggeration of the way a demon possesses a human being. In fact, everyone who came my way, even priest ratified their absolute belief in the fact that the book and film was way too exaggerated. Everyone – except Fr. Amorth. According to Fr. Amorth when he was asked his opinion on the film and book ‘The Exorcist’, he was the only one voice in Christendom to say that HE HAD SEEN WORSE!
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