The Omen

If I hadn't read this was a novelization of the incredibly chilling film starring Gregory Peck, by none other than David Seltzer himself, I would have rated it a bit higher. In a rare case, Seltzer has taken liberties with his own original material to transfer the film to the pages, and as it is, the novel seems like a very good effort.

It provides many interesting details about the past of key characters, especially Catherine, Thorn's wife, and father Tassone (who was father Brennan in the film). Also, the character of Jennings -my own personal favourite in both the film and the novel- the young photographer who helps Thorn solve the riddle concerning the boy Damien, is significantly expanded.

The unfortunate thing is that there are some differences in comparison to the film that, in my opinion, are unecessary and take away much of the atmosphere that the film succeeds in creating. I will add no spoilers but I can say that while I definitely enjoyed reading the book, it failed to chill my blood and send shivers down my spine in the way the film did. I have watched the movie twice and will watch it again and again. Do I recommend the novelization? Certainly. Will I read it a second time? I doubt it.