THE VATICAN'S EXORCISTS Driving Out the Devil in the 21st Century

Tracy Wilkinson takes a neutral approach to a subject many people consider mysterious and anachronistic: demonic possession and exorcism. In detail she examines the religious ritual, its decline and recent revival. She delicately handles the Catholic Church's discomfort and concern with the polemic practice somewhere near the fringe of its doctrine. In a reenactment of an exorcism, Shelly Frasier imitates the gruff and throaty exhortations--including the vomiting sounds--of the girl in the movie THE EXORCIST. She gives two distinct voices to the girl's dual personalities and imparts other quoted speakers with theatrical characterizations that might bring a broad smile to listeners. When unaffected, Frasier's reading style mimics the credible female author reporting on a topic many will find incredible. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]