Love your retelling of the Exorcist viewing (and aftermath). It's been so long since I watched it, and never fully as an adult: I must rectify that. Blair Witch also scared me; I find so much of the gore of modern horror completely off-putting, though confess to enjoying so many of that genre as a teenage lad -- Freddy, Jason et al. My eldest (18) recently read Burgess' Clockwork Orange. After an initial struggle (the same ten or so opening pages that I found so difficult), she absolutely loved it (as did I). I'd seen the film before reading the (less disturbing) book. She decided to watch the film immediately after and I was very anxious for her! It remains the most disturbing film I can recall watching with the pyschological horror, just like for the Exorcist, something that haunted me for many days and months afterwards.
Thanks so much. Will be sure to listen. There’s a very good walking tour podcast of W.G. Sebald’s ‘The Rings of Saturn’. Enjoying Sebald helps, but the way they break down the book and its geographical and topographical inaccuracies is very funny indeed, whilst marvelling at the wonder of his writing.
A beautifully written and detailed journey through Newcastle’s rich history and culture. The line, “You believed in the authenticity of the characters; you empathised with them,” perfectly encapsulates the immersive experience of your reflections.
A really good, rich read, Harry. Very much enjoyed it. I found the castle history particularly interesting and loved the idea of being there, listening to ghost stories.
The exorcist is so good and extremely scary. Such an interesting read as it meandered from topic to topic. Thanks, Harry!
Thanks Jenn
Love your retelling of the Exorcist viewing (and aftermath). It's been so long since I watched it, and never fully as an adult: I must rectify that. Blair Witch also scared me; I find so much of the gore of modern horror completely off-putting, though confess to enjoying so many of that genre as a teenage lad -- Freddy, Jason et al. My eldest (18) recently read Burgess' Clockwork Orange. After an initial struggle (the same ten or so opening pages that I found so difficult), she absolutely loved it (as did I). I'd seen the film before reading the (less disturbing) book. She decided to watch the film immediately after and I was very anxious for her! It remains the most disturbing film I can recall watching with the pyschological horror, just like for the Exorcist, something that haunted me for many days and months afterwards.
Thanks Matt - interestingly I recently listened to this podcast on Burgess' Clockwork Orange...
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/on-the-road-with-penguin-classics/id1549179379?i=1000638530786
Thanks so much. Will be sure to listen. There’s a very good walking tour podcast of W.G. Sebald’s ‘The Rings of Saturn’. Enjoying Sebald helps, but the way they break down the book and its geographical and topographical inaccuracies is very funny indeed, whilst marvelling at the wonder of his writing.
I'll check it out 👍
Part of The Curiously Specific Book Club podcast.
A beautifully written and detailed journey through Newcastle’s rich history and culture. The line, “You believed in the authenticity of the characters; you empathised with them,” perfectly encapsulates the immersive experience of your reflections.
Thank you for your kind words Jon
A really good, rich read, Harry. Very much enjoyed it. I found the castle history particularly interesting and loved the idea of being there, listening to ghost stories.
Thank you Maureen, it certainly makes for an atmospheric setting