Novel Analysis : The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson

Novel Analysis 

Book Title : The Amityville Horror
Author        : Jay Anson
Publisher    : Simon and Schuster
Date published : August 1st,2005     
Number of pages : 256 pages
Genre (Type of book) : Horror ,Paranormal,Thriller
  Author’s Background :

       Jay Anson (November 4, 1921 – March 12, 1980) was an American author whose most famous work was The Amityville Horror. After the runaway success of that novel, he wrote 666, which also dealt with a haunted house. He died in 1980.
       His work, The Amityville Horror, was sold as "a true story", and it was based on the reported experiences of George Lutz and Kathleen Lutz at 112 Ocean Avenue in December 1975. (source : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Anson )

Plot :

Introduction

    George and Kathleen Lutz bought a house for what was considered to be a bargain price of $80,000. Kathy had three children: Daniel, Christopher,and Melissa. They also owned a dog named Harry. During their first inspection of the house, the real estate broker told them about the DeFeo murders (the occupant before them) and asked if this would affect their decision.Because of economical reason,they made decision and agreed to dwell the house.

Rising Action

     They arrived to perform the blessing while George and Kathy were unpacking their belongings on the afternoon. When he flicked the first holy water and began to pray, he heard a voice demand that he must "get out."  Father “Mancuso” called George and advised him to stay out of the second floor room where he had heard the mysterious voice.

Climax

      After deciding that something was wrong with their house they could not explain rationally, George and Kathy carried out a blessing of their own. While in the living room,george  heard a chorus of voices asking them "Will you stop?!". He immediately possessed (devil’s whisper), he acted strange. He killed his dog on the barn near the canal.He tried to kill his family that night.

Falling Action

       He failed to kill his family. Kathy tried to evacuate her children from the house and escorted them to safety, but the possessed George attempts to kill her and the children; Kathy knocked him out to prevent him from doing so and transported him away from the residence. Subsequently, George is released from the spirit's control.

Resolution

        After getting in touch with Father Mancuso, the Georges decided to take some belongings and stay at Kathy's mother's house until they had sorted out the problems with the house.The family permanently left the house after that incident.

Why did I decide to read this book?

     Firstly,this book is based on true story.I love this book.I recommend it for all those who love horror story.One of the best horror book in the world. The Amityville Horror is an unforgettable book with all the shocks and gripping suspense.

Was I glad that I decided to read it?.      

    I think I’m glad enough,because I enjoyed reading this book.The novel is thick enough. I spent at least 2 hours per day to finish this novel.

What did I like best about this book?

    The book  is interesting. All of the contain is delivered in a clear plot. The novel is very realistic.Overall it was honestly quite a frightening book. I am a lover of  horror themes so it was really in my element, and I enjoyed the book much more than all of the terrible horror movies.

What did I like least?

     Although this book is based on true story,nothing can be  proven or disproven. We can only look at the few facts, listen to what the Lutzes said.Consistently, for more than thirty years and then choose what to believe.

Would I recommend this book to a friend?

      Yes,I would recommend it.  I will recommend this book to all of my friends.This book is good and it gives you sensational horrorific feeling.

Difficulty :

-Language : 

     On a scale of 1-10, how difficult was this book for you? (1=easy,10=difficult) Why?

On a scle of 1-10, I will give it 7.

    This book is mid-difficult level because there are some words which I didn’t  know before.The new words which I found and it’s  very useful to increase my vocabulary knowledge. Ex : George planned to attend to some of the landscaping and the garden to prevent frost damage, maybe put framed burlap around the shrubs, put in bulbs and after that, spread some lime on the lawn.

    Point of view?
     Third person(he,name of character).It offers a variety of possibilities for limiting omniscience: information that the narrator and reader are privy to in the telling of the story.

Interesting Character : George

     Demonic possession is believed to be the process by which individuals are possessed by malevolent preternatural beings, commonly referred to as demons or devils. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonic_possession)

     The character who got possessed by the demon. The belief that demons exist and can possess people is of course the stuff of fiction and horror novel,but it is also one of the most widely-held religious beliefs in the world. Most religions claim that humans can be possessed by demonic spirits and offer exorcisms to remedy this threat. Virtually every culture in the history of mankind has believed in the existence of spirits, both good and evil. Such spirits have been called “gods”; have been venerated and feared; have been regarded the spirits of ancestors, of animals, and of the wicked dead. In today’s world, where “gods” and “spells” have been replaced by science and technology , demons are often associated with superstition and myth, and are believed to have been conceived in the imaginations of men who lacked scientific understanding.What we need to do is just to believe they exist,but as long as we don’t bother. They won’t do the same, except devil’s whisper. It is devil’s duty to keep us in wrong way.They will keep dragging us to hell.so,It is a moral value for us all. Let your faith bigger than your fears!

You can read the full story at www.readanybook.com

-Arief Nuryanto/16202241043-