Shrine (novel) explained

Shrine
Author:James Herbert
Country:United Kingdom
Language:English
Genre:Horror novel
Publisher:New English Library
Release Date:1983
Media Type:paperback and hardback
Pages:433 pp (paperback)
Isbn:0-450-05659-7
Isbn Note:(paperback)
Preceded By:The Jonah
Followed By:Domain

Shrine is a 1983 horror novel by English writer James Herbert, exploring themes of religious ecstasy, mass hysteria, demonic possession, faith healing and Catholicism.

Plot

The story is about Alice Pagett, a deaf-mute child who is cured one night when she runs to an oak tree behind St. Joseph's, her local church. She is found by reporter Gerry Fenn and, when news of her cure spreads, their village becomes ablaze with publicity. After Alice performs several "miracle" cures in front of the tree, and claims to have seen the Virgin Mary there, it starts to be treated as a Lourdes-like shrine by Catholic pilgrims. St. Joseph's priest, Father Hagan, however, senses spiritual danger.

Characters

Style

Each chapter begins with a quote from a famous literary work, often a fairy tale or poem dealing with folklore, like the Grimms' canon, Peter Pan, and Hans Christian Andersen. The third-person narrative switches between several points of view, including village businessmen, Catholic officials, and other minor, as well as important, characters.

Film adaptation

See main article: The Unholy (2021 film). On 3 December 2018, Deadline reported that Screen Gems and Sam Raimi will produce the adaptation of the novel with Evan Spiliotopoulos writing the script and making his directorial debut.[1] On 18 September 2019, it was announced Jeffrey Dean Morgan will star in the film.[2] On 12 November 2019, Jordana Brewster joined the cast of the film.[3] On 27 February 2020, Katie Aselton, William Sadler, Diogo Morgado, Cricket Brown, Marina Mazepa, Christine Adams, Bates Wilder and Cary Elwes joined the cast of the film, with Aselton replacing Brewster, and principal photography commencing in Boston,[4] but on 14 March 2020, filming was suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[5] In March 2021, the film's new title was announced as The Unholy,[6] along with a scheduled release date of April 2, 2021.[7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Fleming. Mike Jr.. Evan Spiliotopoulos and Sam Raimi Team On James Herbert Novel 'Shrine' at Screen Gems. 3 December 2018. Deadline. 5 May 2019.
  2. Web site: Anthony. D'Alessandro. Jeffrey Dean Morgan Takes Lead In Screen Gems' Feature Adaptation Of James Herbert's 'Shrine'. September 18, 2019. Deadline Hollywood. September 19, 2019.
  3. Web site: Jordana Brewster Joins Jeffrey Dean Morgan In 'Shrine' Adaptation From Screen Gems. Deadline Hollywood. Amanda. N'Duka. November 12, 2019. February 29, 2020.
  4. Web site: Amanda. N'Duka. 'Shrine': Screen Gems Horror Pic Adds Cary Elwes, Katie Aselton & More. February 27, 2020. Deadline Hollywood. February 29, 2020.
  5. Web site: Anthony. D'Alessandro. Sony Halts Production On Kevin Hart's 'Man From Toronto', 'Shrine' & 'The Nightingale'. March 14, 2020. Deadline Hollywood. May 15, 2020.
  6. Web site: Sam Raimi-Produced, Jeffrey Dean Morgan-Starring Horror Movie 'The Unholy' Dated for Release. Squires. John. Bloody Disgusting. March 8, 2021. March 8, 2021.
  7. Web site: Sony Dates Horror Film 'The Unholy' For Easter Weekend. Deadline Hollywood. Anthony. D'Alessandro. March 8, 2021. March 8, 2021.