The Amityville Horror Book Summary - The Amityville Horror Book explained in key points

The Amityville Horror summary

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The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson is a chilling true story about the Lutz family's terrifying experiences in their haunted house. It delves into the inexplicable events that drove them to flee in fear, leaving a legacy of horror.

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    The Amityville Horror
    Summary of key ideas

    The Haunting Begins

    In The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson, we are introduced to the Lutz family, who move into a beautiful, large house in Amityville, New York. The house, however, has a dark history. A year before the Lutz's arrival, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his entire family in the house. Despite knowing this, the Lutz family, consisting of George, Kathy, and their three children, believe they can make the house their home.

    However, strange occurrences begin almost immediately. George, who is a non-believer in the supernatural, starts to experience personality changes. He becomes increasingly irritable and obsessed with the wood stove in the basement. Kathy, on the other hand, starts to have vivid nightmares about the DeFeo murders. The children also report seeing a pair of glowing red eyes peering into their second-floor bedroom.

    The House's Dark Past

    As the days pass, the Lutz family learns more about the house's dark past. They discover that the house was built on a site where a man named John Ketchum, who was accused of being a witch, was buried alive. They also find out that the house was built using materials salvaged from a house where a man had gone insane and murdered his entire family.

    George's behavior becomes increasingly erratic. He starts waking up at 3:15 AM, the same time DeFeo Jr. murdered his family, and begins to hear voices urging him to kill his own family. Despite his growing fear and paranoia, George refuses to leave the house, believing that the evil forces are trying to drive them out.

    The House's Malevolent Influence

    The Lutz family's experiences in the house become increasingly terrifying. Doors and windows slam shut on their own, the house is plagued by swarms of flies in the middle of winter, and the family is tormented by unseen forces. George's physical appearance starts to change, and he becomes more and more like the previous murderer, Ronald DeFeo Jr.

    Desperate for help, the Lutz family seeks the assistance of a priest, Father Mancuso, who had previously blessed the house. However, when Father Mancuso attempts to bless the house again, he is driven out by a disembodied voice commanding him to "Get out!" The Lutz family realizes that the house is beyond help and they need to leave as soon as possible.

    The Lutz Family Flees

    After only 28 days in the house, the Lutz family flees, leaving behind all their possessions. They never return. The book ends with the Lutz family's escape from the house, but the haunting continues to haunt them. They are plagued by the memories of their time in the house and the fear that the malevolent forces might follow them.

    In conclusion, The Amityville Horror is a chilling account of a family's terrifying experiences in a haunted house. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, the Lutz family's story is a haunting and disturbing tale that will leave you questioning the existence of evil forces beyond our understanding.

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    What is The Amityville Horror about?

    The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson is a chilling account of the supernatural events that terrorized the Lutz family in their new home in Amityville, New York. Claiming to be based on true events, the book delves into the horrifying experiences the family endured, including demonic possession and unexplainable phenomena. It's a gripping and unsettling read that will leave you questioning the existence of evil forces.

    The Amityville Horror Review

    The Amityville Horror (1977) is a chilling account of a family's terrifying experiences in a haunted house. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:

    • With its gripping and suspenseful storytelling, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages.
    • Based on a true story, it offers a fascinating glimpse into paranormal phenomena and the effects it can have on individuals and families.
    • The book delves into the psychological and emotional impact of living in a haunted house, exploring the depths of fear and the resilience of the human spirit.

    Who should read The Amityville Horror?

    • Anyone with an interest in true crime and paranormal experiences
    • Readers who enjoy chilling and suspenseful stories
    • People who want to explore the infamous Amityville haunting and its impact on a family

    About the Author

    Jay Anson was an American author known for his work in the horror genre. He had a successful career as a writer and editor, with several of his books becoming bestsellers. Anson's most famous work is The Amityville Horror, a chilling account of the supernatural events experienced by the Lutz family in their haunted house. His other notable books include 666 and The Amityville Horror Part II. Anson's ability to captivate readers with his terrifying storytelling has solidified his place as a master of horror literature.

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    The Amityville Horror FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Amityville Horror?

    The main message of The Amityville Horror is the terror experienced by a family in a haunted house.

    How long does it take to read The Amityville Horror?

    The reading time for The Amityville Horror varies depending on the reader. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Amityville Horror a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Amityville Horror is a chilling read that brings fear to life. It's definitely worth reading for horror enthusiasts.

    Who is the author of The Amityville Horror?

    The author of The Amityville Horror is Jay Anson.

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