Communion: A True Story
“Communion: A True Story” is a 1987 book written by author Whitley Strieber that details his personal encounters with mysterious, non-human entities. Strieber refers to these beings as “visitors” rather than explicitly calling them aliens, expressing uncertainty about their true nature. He speculates that they might be extraterrestrial, interdimensional, or from some other unknown origin. The most iconic aspect of Strieber’s experience is his vivid description of the beings he encountered, particularly the image of the ‘grey’ alien with large, almond-shaped eyes, a depiction that has become deeply ingrained in popular culture.
The core of the book revolves around Strieber’s harrowing accounts of waking up to find himself in the presence of these entities, detailing physical and psychological effects from these encounters. His experiences include abductions and intrusive medical procedures aboard what he believes to be alien craft. What makes “Communion” unique is the deeply personal perspective Strieber offers, where he not only recounts the physical events but also looks into the emotional and spiritual impact these experiences had on him. The book is not just about alien abduction; it’s about the profound, transformative nature of these encounters on Strieber’s perception of reality and self.
Strieber’s approach in “Communion” blends both a psychological and metaphysical exploration of the phenomenon. He suggests that these experiences have reshaped his understanding of humanity’s place in the universe. He also raises the possibility that such encounters could hold profound lessons for human consciousness and the nature of existence. Throughout the book, Strieber maintains a tone of introspection, grappling with fear, confusion, and a sense of awe regarding his experiences. He repeatedly emphasizes that he is unsure of the true identity or motives of the visitors, but he believes they may be part of a larger, mysterious phenomenon that has been interacting with humanity for a long time.
The book garnered significant attention upon its release, becoming a bestseller and sparking widespread debate. Despite the polarizing reactions, “Communion” remains one of the most influential works on the subject of alien abduction, standing out for its intense, personal narrative.
It’s important to note that Strieber does not claim to offer definitive answers regarding the visitors’ identity or intentions. Instead, he presents his experiences as they happened to him, leaving much of the interpretation up to the reader. This uncertainty, combined with his willingness to explore the psychological and spiritual dimensions of these encounters, gives “Communion” a complexity that goes beyond a simple recounting of alien abduction events.
Although the book was adapted into a 1989 film starring Christopher Walken as Strieber, the movie is not directly relevant to the original content of “Communion,” as it took certain creative liberties in its portrayal of the events. Strieber also wrote several follow-up books, such as “Transformation” and “Breakthrough,” which continue to explore his evolving relationship with the visitors.
In summary, “Communion: A True Story” is a deeply personal and introspective account of Whitley Strieber’s encounters with mysterious beings. The book blends elements of physical abduction, psychological turmoil, and metaphysical exploration, raising more questions than it answers. Strieber’s account is presented as his personal truth, offering readers a glimpse into the mysterious, often unsettling world of alien contact without making definitive claims about the nature or origin of the visitors. The book remains a significant and influential work within the realm of UFO literature, primarily due to its unique blend of personal narrative and exploration of the unknown.
