Shrine (novel)

Shrine is a horror novel by American author James Herbert, first published in 1983. The novel centers around a deaf-mute girl named Alice who seemingly miraculously regains her hearing and speech and claims to have visions of the Virgin Mary in a small, decaying church in the town of Clery.

Plot Summary:

The story follows Gerry Fenn, a disgraced journalist investigating a suspicious cattle mutilation case in the rural Massachusetts town of Clery. He encounters Alice, the young girl whose alleged miracle cure and visions have transformed the church into a pilgrimage site. As miracles and healings are reported, the church grows in popularity, and the local priest, Father Hagan, becomes increasingly enthusiastic. However, Fenn remains skeptical and begins to uncover a dark and sinister presence behind the seemingly benevolent miracles. The nature of the "Virgin Mary" is revealed to be far more malevolent than anyone imagined, and Fenn, alongside Father Hagan, must race against time to expose the truth and save the town from a horrifying fate.

Themes:

Shrine explores themes of faith, skepticism, the nature of good and evil, and the potential for religious fervor to be manipulated. It examines the dangers of blind faith and the importance of questioning perceived miracles. The novel also delves into the psychological impact of religious experiences and the consequences of succumbing to supernatural forces.

Reception:

Shrine was a commercial success and remains one of James Herbert's most popular novels. It received mixed reviews, with some praising its suspenseful plot and chilling atmosphere, while others criticized its graphic violence and perceived religious sensationalism.

Film Adaptation:

The novel was adapted into a film titled The Unholy, released in 2021. The film starred Jeffrey Dean Morgan and was directed by Evan Spiliotopoulos.