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Ghastle and Yule
Two warring horror filmmakers are haunted by each other's work in this tense, chilling tale of dark artistic vision set in 1960s Hollywood. Gordon Ghastle and Allan Yule are promising young directors who help reshape the genre. But as their careers take off, will their need to outdo each other bring them to commit acts more macabre than what they commit to film? Told in intimate detail by their mutual cinematographer, Ghastle and Yule chronicles the rise and fall of two geniuses at the stormy height of their powers—and what happens when obsessions go too far.
Josh Malerman is the author of Bird Box and the songwriter for the band the High Strung. He lives in Ferndale, Michigan with his fiancee Allison Laakko.
Praise for Bird Box:
"This completely compelling novel contains a thousand subtle touches but no mere flourishes- it so well, so efficiently, so directly written I read it with real admiration. Josh Malerman does the job like a fast-talking, wised-up angel." -Peter Straub
"Immersive, mesmerizing, and deliciously dark- this the best kind of horror, where your imagination becomes your own worst enemy." -Jamie Ford
"Chilling and beautifully told. A must-read." -Hugh Howey, bestselling author of WOOL.
"Hitchcockian. A notably strong study of modern psychological terror." -USA Today
"Startlingly fresh and potent." -Rue Morgue Magazine
Cover design by: Adil Dara
Josh Malerman is the author of Bird Box and the songwriter for the band the High Strung. He lives in Ferndale, Michigan with his fiancee Allison Laakko.
Praise for Bird Box:
"This completely compelling novel contains a thousand subtle touches but no mere flourishes- it so well, so efficiently, so directly written I read it with real admiration. Josh Malerman does the job like a fast-talking, wised-up angel." -Peter Straub
"Immersive, mesmerizing, and deliciously dark- this the best kind of horror, where your imagination becomes your own worst enemy." -Jamie Ford
"Chilling and beautifully told. A must-read." -Hugh Howey, bestselling author of WOOL.
"Hitchcockian. A notably strong study of modern psychological terror." -USA Today
"Startlingly fresh and potent." -Rue Morgue Magazine
Cover design by: Adil Dara
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2014
36 people are currently reading
1303 people want to read
About the author
Josh Malerman
90 books8,473 followersJosh Malerman is the New York Times best selling author of BIRD BOX, MALORIE, GOBLIN, PEARL, GHOUL n THE CAPE, and more.
He's also one of two singer/songwriter for the rock band The High Strung.
He's also one of two singer/songwriter for the rock band The High Strung.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 12, 2019
This one is a bit difficult to rate...
Let's start by saying this:
It's not like BIRD BOX - most of the reviews will tell you.
It's a very short story - 54 pages. It is written by the (unnamed) cinematographer of these two directors - Ghastle and Yule, who created the sub-genre called "Meaningful Macabre" in the late 1950's.
And at the start, it reads very much like the thoughts of an insider in the immoral, whorish movie business that is Hollywood. A lot of name dropping and references, yet the constant reminder that talent and potential may mean absolutely nothing at the end of the day.
I was nearly 80% into this story before the symbolism truly hit me. And the review in my head changed from "Good writing, but average story..." to this rather lengthy review for such a short story.
Ghastle and Yule may seem like exact opposites in most ways. Ghastle has the larger than life personality, the style, the perfect man to play the game, and he reaches the heights of the Hollywood elite in a very short time. Yule is the quiet, introverted, struggling artist whose ideas seems so far out there that he will be seen as weird and remain underrated to the powers that be.
But there is the underlying jealousy, the paranoia and the unhealthy competitiveness that will ultimately destroy their careers...maybe.
Here's the thing, and you will have to bear with me:
The 2016 movie MOTHER! by Darren Aronofsky split audiences. Even though it made a little more money than it cost to make, it was not seen as success, especially if you consider the big names involved - Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardiem, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Me, I'm an odd duck, I admit that regularly, I thought it was absolutely fucking brilliant. The symbolism in that movie was so profoundly deep and shocking - yes, it shocked me to my core - that I still think about it today. From the relative calm, it turns into this horrific scene of obscene violence.
The problem was that the movie was not really meant for a mainstream audience, in my opinion. You are either going to get it or hate it, there's just no room for a middle ground. And, without trying to sound condescending, I think it went over the heads of many viewers.
This story will probably have the same problem - I can't see it as mainstream. Ghastle and Yule are the flipside of the same coin. Perhaps, if you'll indulge me, I can say it's a little like MOBY DICK, where the captain can't exist without the whale? Or, perhaps, if you stretch your imagination, shares the idea of DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE?
Anyway, I may just be completely delusional myself and read more into this than I should.
At the end of the day, I think the story was great but I don't think many people will agree. Recommended to the other weirdos out there.
Let's start by saying this:
It's not like BIRD BOX - most of the reviews will tell you.
It's a very short story - 54 pages. It is written by the (unnamed) cinematographer of these two directors - Ghastle and Yule, who created the sub-genre called "Meaningful Macabre" in the late 1950's.
And at the start, it reads very much like the thoughts of an insider in the immoral, whorish movie business that is Hollywood. A lot of name dropping and references, yet the constant reminder that talent and potential may mean absolutely nothing at the end of the day.
I was nearly 80% into this story before the symbolism truly hit me. And the review in my head changed from "Good writing, but average story..." to this rather lengthy review for such a short story.
Ghastle and Yule may seem like exact opposites in most ways. Ghastle has the larger than life personality, the style, the perfect man to play the game, and he reaches the heights of the Hollywood elite in a very short time. Yule is the quiet, introverted, struggling artist whose ideas seems so far out there that he will be seen as weird and remain underrated to the powers that be.
But there is the underlying jealousy, the paranoia and the unhealthy competitiveness that will ultimately destroy their careers...maybe.
Here's the thing, and you will have to bear with me:
The 2016 movie MOTHER! by Darren Aronofsky split audiences. Even though it made a little more money than it cost to make, it was not seen as success, especially if you consider the big names involved - Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardiem, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Me, I'm an odd duck, I admit that regularly, I thought it was absolutely fucking brilliant. The symbolism in that movie was so profoundly deep and shocking - yes, it shocked me to my core - that I still think about it today. From the relative calm, it turns into this horrific scene of obscene violence.
The problem was that the movie was not really meant for a mainstream audience, in my opinion. You are either going to get it or hate it, there's just no room for a middle ground. And, without trying to sound condescending, I think it went over the heads of many viewers.
This story will probably have the same problem - I can't see it as mainstream. Ghastle and Yule are the flipside of the same coin. Perhaps, if you'll indulge me, I can say it's a little like MOBY DICK, where the captain can't exist without the whale? Or, perhaps, if you stretch your imagination, shares the idea of DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE?
Anyway, I may just be completely delusional myself and read more into this than I should.
At the end of the day, I think the story was great but I don't think many people will agree. Recommended to the other weirdos out there.
March 3, 2017
Because Josh Malerman is my God.
...And kindle unlimited.
________________________
I want to marry Josh Malerman. First of all, he's hot.
Second of all, he's the singer of a really awesome band called The High Strung. Find them on Spotify. Or Pandora. Seriously. They're great.
And third of all, he writes amazing books.
Though this little novella isn't as good as his full length debut, Bird Box, it is a stellar story. Gordon Ghastle and Allan Yule are two newbie horror film directors from the sixties who have taken the genre by storm and created a new subgenre characterized by eerie atmosphere, macabre storytelling and overall, an intelligence that is lacking in the horror genre, a subgenre referred to by the press as "Meaningful Macabre."
This story is told by their mutual lead cinematographer who, as becomes evident early on, has a very high creative respect and admiration for both of them, bordering only slightly on obsession. The story is told in a very straightforward way and tells of both directors, how they began, and then dove into the movies they subsequently created over the next decade. Films that grew increasingly more macabre, both from a fantastical and realistic standpoint. These two directors have two completely different stories, but their quests to completely outdo each other examines that beautiful thread that exists between art and real life.
I absolutely loved the way this story unfolded. It was with a very delicate hand and the way it unfolded was delectably eerie and atmospheric. Though I didn't find it scary the way Bird Box was, it was written with that same subtlety of voice that I love. The ending was fantastical and weird and very mysterious. It in parts reminded me of Night Film, one of my top ten favorites of all time. It made me want to watch the movies depicted in it and to have lived during the era in which they were created. Both Ghastle and Yule felt like reminisces or maybe even alter-egos of Stanislas Cordova from that book and I ate it up. Though the latter book was way more complex and serious, this one definitely can hold its own in its company.
4 stars for a thoroughly entertaining and thought-provoking read that I got for free with kindle unlimited (hint hint). And the next time Josh Malerman puts a book out, I am on it like Miss J on the runway.
...And kindle unlimited.
________________________
I want to marry Josh Malerman. First of all, he's hot.
Second of all, he's the singer of a really awesome band called The High Strung. Find them on Spotify. Or Pandora. Seriously. They're great.
And third of all, he writes amazing books.
Though this little novella isn't as good as his full length debut, Bird Box, it is a stellar story. Gordon Ghastle and Allan Yule are two newbie horror film directors from the sixties who have taken the genre by storm and created a new subgenre characterized by eerie atmosphere, macabre storytelling and overall, an intelligence that is lacking in the horror genre, a subgenre referred to by the press as "Meaningful Macabre."
This story is told by their mutual lead cinematographer who, as becomes evident early on, has a very high creative respect and admiration for both of them, bordering only slightly on obsession. The story is told in a very straightforward way and tells of both directors, how they began, and then dove into the movies they subsequently created over the next decade. Films that grew increasingly more macabre, both from a fantastical and realistic standpoint. These two directors have two completely different stories, but their quests to completely outdo each other examines that beautiful thread that exists between art and real life.
Maybe it was good that, despite the pond of people telling Ghastle he was great, he was thinking of bettering Yule, understanding, ultimately, that the art left behind would define him, and not the scantily clad dancers sneaking onto his set to watch him work. Possibly it was healthy; two talents with an eye on one another. But I couldn't deny darker thoughts.
Yule paced in the balcony of Ghastle's theatrical mind and Ghastle rode the lead float in the parade of everything Yule hated.
If there was mutual respect, I understand now that it was not valued.
I absolutely loved the way this story unfolded. It was with a very delicate hand and the way it unfolded was delectably eerie and atmospheric. Though I didn't find it scary the way Bird Box was, it was written with that same subtlety of voice that I love. The ending was fantastical and weird and very mysterious. It in parts reminded me of Night Film, one of my top ten favorites of all time. It made me want to watch the movies depicted in it and to have lived during the era in which they were created. Both Ghastle and Yule felt like reminisces or maybe even alter-egos of Stanislas Cordova from that book and I ate it up. Though the latter book was way more complex and serious, this one definitely can hold its own in its company.
4 stars for a thoroughly entertaining and thought-provoking read that I got for free with kindle unlimited (hint hint). And the next time Josh Malerman puts a book out, I am on it like Miss J on the runway.
August 21, 2015
3 & 1/2 stars. Interesting. Very interesting.
After loving Josh Malerman's Bird Box, naturally my expectations for Ghastle and Yule were a little raised. Okay, I was freaking pumped to find this. Is it as good as Bird Box? No. But it was a very entertaining short story that is just spilling over with love for the horror genre.
Also, I completely broke down into giggles at this passage.
"It either follows the footprints of an indeterminate living thing as it crosses the snow covered mountains of Alberta or focuses on a young "girl" able to breath life into her snow-men creations."
Is this a Frozen reference? OR DID DISNEY STEAL HIS IDEA? [narrows eyes suspiciously]
After loving Josh Malerman's Bird Box, naturally my expectations for Ghastle and Yule were a little raised. Okay, I was freaking pumped to find this. Is it as good as Bird Box? No. But it was a very entertaining short story that is just spilling over with love for the horror genre.
Also, I completely broke down into giggles at this passage.
"It either follows the footprints of an indeterminate living thing as it crosses the snow covered mountains of Alberta or focuses on a young "girl" able to breath life into her snow-men creations."
Is this a Frozen reference? OR DID DISNEY STEAL HIS IDEA? [narrows eyes suspiciously]
February 18, 2018
I absolutely loved Bird Box by this author, even though horror is not my genre of choice. Unable to sleep a few nights ago, I was going through the kindle shorts and noticed this and on impulse just pressed the buy button. It definitely took me out of my comfort zone, but if this was a full-sized novel I don't think I would be able to finish it. If you're a fan of horror movies, this is a must read.
October 31, 2014
Great quick read
Malerman follows up Birdbox with an odd little story that contains great visuals. I found myself picturing the scenes as they are described, you can almost visualize the art of the scenes as they would be seen through the directors eyes. Enjoyed as a quick read.
Malerman follows up Birdbox with an odd little story that contains great visuals. I found myself picturing the scenes as they are described, you can almost visualize the art of the scenes as they would be seen through the directors eyes. Enjoyed as a quick read.
November 23, 2015
Someone get Christopher Nolan on the phone stat!
This novella, included as a bonus with the excellent Bird Box, is so filmic in it's plot and qualities it veritably screams for an adaption by someone of Nolan's ability, perhaps in part because it mirrors his earlier work in films like The Prestige. Here, rather than magicians, we have two directors both competing against each other in 1960's Hollywood to establish a new genre perhaps best described as 'auteur horror'. The story, told from the perspective of mutual cinematographer, takes us through a hidden history of subterfuge, artistic theft, rumour and speculation, trying to make sense of a story the author has been part of but never fully understood. Malerman nails the stylistic components of the reportage as well as the subtle hints at the wider story that is never quite revealed. The two directors work against each other and oddly with one another each feeding off the shared notoriety and artistic madness that inspires them to push harder to create a definitive work. Much like 'The Prestige'it is what's hidden that intrigues the reader and captures the imagination. As accusations and counter accusations fly between the two men and the author becomes increasingly entangled in their web, we too share in his fascination with the story behind the story. Interestingly Malerman also captures the endemic madness that is present behind so many masterpieces, like Apocalypse Now, whereby the back story becomes so intrinsically linked with the final work as to be inseparable, as well as, the divisive nature of such works which see them classed either as genius or folly.
At less than a 100 pages the story is engaging if perhaps a bit short for my liking and certainly it is it's sparsity that makes me think it would make for a great film adaption. The characters of Yule and Ghast while remaining almost cartoonish and steeped in half truth are endlessly fascinating because of their links to their works and as such would make for brilliant roles for the likes of Nolan to work with. A great short read and definitely something a bit different than Bird Box that suggests a masterful story teller at play.
This novella, included as a bonus with the excellent Bird Box, is so filmic in it's plot and qualities it veritably screams for an adaption by someone of Nolan's ability, perhaps in part because it mirrors his earlier work in films like The Prestige. Here, rather than magicians, we have two directors both competing against each other in 1960's Hollywood to establish a new genre perhaps best described as 'auteur horror'. The story, told from the perspective of mutual cinematographer, takes us through a hidden history of subterfuge, artistic theft, rumour and speculation, trying to make sense of a story the author has been part of but never fully understood. Malerman nails the stylistic components of the reportage as well as the subtle hints at the wider story that is never quite revealed. The two directors work against each other and oddly with one another each feeding off the shared notoriety and artistic madness that inspires them to push harder to create a definitive work. Much like 'The Prestige'it is what's hidden that intrigues the reader and captures the imagination. As accusations and counter accusations fly between the two men and the author becomes increasingly entangled in their web, we too share in his fascination with the story behind the story. Interestingly Malerman also captures the endemic madness that is present behind so many masterpieces, like Apocalypse Now, whereby the back story becomes so intrinsically linked with the final work as to be inseparable, as well as, the divisive nature of such works which see them classed either as genius or folly.
At less than a 100 pages the story is engaging if perhaps a bit short for my liking and certainly it is it's sparsity that makes me think it would make for a great film adaption. The characters of Yule and Ghast while remaining almost cartoonish and steeped in half truth are endlessly fascinating because of their links to their works and as such would make for brilliant roles for the likes of Nolan to work with. A great short read and definitely something a bit different than Bird Box that suggests a masterful story teller at play.
April 2, 2017
Picked this up on a whim through Prime Reading on Amazon and actually enjoyed it. It takes a bit to get into what's going on but when you do, it's pretty decent reading. The descriptions of the movies in the book made me want them to be actually made so I could see them!
March 2, 2017
-- Review originally posted on Robots Read --
I recently read that it takes about three books for most readers to become truly enarmored with an author’s work. If they’re still happily awaiting any new releases of yours after that, then congrats, you’ve got yourself a loyal fan.
That being said, I’ve read and loved both Bird Box and A House at the Bottom of a Lake (see Rosey and my discussion here) by Josh Malerman and have been eyeing another story of his for quite some time. Unfortunately I always thought it a little too expensive — 3.50 EUR is not something I’d generally spend on a little over 53 pages, unless (and only maybe) if it was recently released, which it is not.
Luckily, a 30-days-trial of Kindle Unlimited exists, so here we are.
Ghastle and Yule turned out to be a quite enjoyable read for me. The premise is interesting, as are the descriptions of the various movies both Ghastle and Yule produce throughout this novelette. For me personally the story lacked the chilly, at times vividly spooky atmosphere that both Bird Box and A House at the Bottom of a Lake definitely provided. Now I can’t tell if it’s because the story is just shorter, so there’s not as much time to get into the feeling of it, or because, unlike his other two works, this one describes the sinister much more than it merely hints at it.
Usually Malerman leaves a lot up to the imagination — which I adore, because it works just incredibly well for me — and he definitely does, at times, do the same here, particularly as far as the last third of the story is concerned, but my brain wasn’t producing vivid images as much as it usually does when it comes to this author.
What I liked, and what also inevitably leads to me awaiting his other novels quite eagerly, is the effect Malerman’s writing has on me. Mostly it stays with me and my opinion on it changes. Malerman writes the kind of stories that need time sinking in, and even when they have, I end up overturning them like stones, looking at them from different angles as the days pass. I can’t say I’ve experienced that type of curious wonder with any other author, so that’s quite a feat.
If you enjoy horror and would like to give Josh Malerman a try, I definitely suggest starting with his most popular novel — Bird Box. Just be warned that this is the kind of author who seems to be much more fond of producing feelings and questions than providing concrete answers. If you’re frustrated by that, tread with caution.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Recommended for: fans of the horror genre in general but also and in particular horror movies
I recently read that it takes about three books for most readers to become truly enarmored with an author’s work. If they’re still happily awaiting any new releases of yours after that, then congrats, you’ve got yourself a loyal fan.
That being said, I’ve read and loved both Bird Box and A House at the Bottom of a Lake (see Rosey and my discussion here) by Josh Malerman and have been eyeing another story of his for quite some time. Unfortunately I always thought it a little too expensive — 3.50 EUR is not something I’d generally spend on a little over 53 pages, unless (and only maybe) if it was recently released, which it is not.
Luckily, a 30-days-trial of Kindle Unlimited exists, so here we are.
Ghastle and Yule turned out to be a quite enjoyable read for me. The premise is interesting, as are the descriptions of the various movies both Ghastle and Yule produce throughout this novelette. For me personally the story lacked the chilly, at times vividly spooky atmosphere that both Bird Box and A House at the Bottom of a Lake definitely provided. Now I can’t tell if it’s because the story is just shorter, so there’s not as much time to get into the feeling of it, or because, unlike his other two works, this one describes the sinister much more than it merely hints at it.
Usually Malerman leaves a lot up to the imagination — which I adore, because it works just incredibly well for me — and he definitely does, at times, do the same here, particularly as far as the last third of the story is concerned, but my brain wasn’t producing vivid images as much as it usually does when it comes to this author.
What I liked, and what also inevitably leads to me awaiting his other novels quite eagerly, is the effect Malerman’s writing has on me. Mostly it stays with me and my opinion on it changes. Malerman writes the kind of stories that need time sinking in, and even when they have, I end up overturning them like stones, looking at them from different angles as the days pass. I can’t say I’ve experienced that type of curious wonder with any other author, so that’s quite a feat.
If you enjoy horror and would like to give Josh Malerman a try, I definitely suggest starting with his most popular novel — Bird Box. Just be warned that this is the kind of author who seems to be much more fond of producing feelings and questions than providing concrete answers. If you’re frustrated by that, tread with caution.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Recommended for: fans of the horror genre in general but also and in particular horror movies
January 20, 2018
This is a comedy for horror geeks. A quick, sharp read that tells of a feud between two directors of horror films.The main body of the story comprises of wonderful hints and impressions of the their bizarre and outlandish movies. What makes the story exceptional is within this structure Malerman delivers building dread and an actual horror ending to the novella. As a short work, it could have used a touch more fleshing out here and there, but I read the book with a big smile on my face, which I’ll give it full points for and happily recommend to others.
January 11, 2022
Engaging story from Malerman that treads different waters than what we’re used to, this is horror, but subtle, more an exploration of a genre and a movement but told through the lens of a cinematographer who worked with two of horrors emerging talents, warring filmmakers in their quest to outdo one another and also all of the genres films that came before.
The storytelling as ever is beguiling, and although this was a shorter slice of horror it was full of brilliance and was as beguiling as some of Malerman’s longer works.
I loved the storytelling angle in this story, the way in which our unnamed protagonist leads us through Gordon Ghastle and Allan Yule’s meteoric rise from cameramen to the bright stars they became - one lorded from the word go (Ghastle) and the other continuing to out do the bright shining star of his nemesis - content on working in the shadows, in the indie scene, that is until his star rises too.
As the story progresses we see these two warring directors along insults at each other and with each film they release they compete against each other, the studios, the fans and their cinematographer - until the day comes where they begin accusing each other of stealing the others ideas.
One day a script arrives that neither of them wants to let go… and we watch the nightmare unfold.
The storytelling as ever is beguiling, and although this was a shorter slice of horror it was full of brilliance and was as beguiling as some of Malerman’s longer works.
I loved the storytelling angle in this story, the way in which our unnamed protagonist leads us through Gordon Ghastle and Allan Yule’s meteoric rise from cameramen to the bright stars they became - one lorded from the word go (Ghastle) and the other continuing to out do the bright shining star of his nemesis - content on working in the shadows, in the indie scene, that is until his star rises too.
As the story progresses we see these two warring directors along insults at each other and with each film they release they compete against each other, the studios, the fans and their cinematographer - until the day comes where they begin accusing each other of stealing the others ideas.
One day a script arrives that neither of them wants to let go… and we watch the nightmare unfold.
May 23, 2018
I didn't enjoy this short story as much as The House at the Bottom of the Lake or Bird Box, but I think that had a lot to do with the subject matter. I have to admit that the way the story was told was very good. Malermam is a very talented writer, to be sure. This one just didn't speak to me
February 24, 2017
The writing and story itself were great, however, this was not a book for me. The ideas weren't anything I was familiar with as I'm not a fan of the horror movie genre. The ending was quite abrupt as well and I went back and forth on the kindle a few times to make sure that I didn't get click happy and skip a page. I'd recommend only if a true fan of horror.
October 11, 2015
What happens when 2 new directors come onto the horror scene at the same time? Their first film is a collaboration. Then slowly they part and make their own movies or do they? As one career takes off quickly the other slowly comes around. As their popularity rises so do the rumors. Each director accusing the other as stealing their ideas. Then one day the both have the exact same idea and approach the cinematographer. He doesn't know what to do. Legal battles draw out for the rights of ownership. Then more rumors arise. Each more malevolent than the last. Then it is rumored that they are independently making their own film. Mysterious canisters arrive and show the murder of one of the directors' wife. Is it real? A red herring? As the directors disappear these questions may never have answers. I found this very interesting, a lot about filming and the madness each go through to put ideas on celluloid for the horror audience. Fun and bloody. Good for October and horror fans alike.
January 4, 2017
This short story is one hell of a good time...IF you are a big fan of horror and cinema. I can see others who read Bird Box but aren't explicitly horror fans not enjoying this, though. Luckily, I am a huge fan of the genre and the behind the scenes of film-making (since that's what I do for a living) so this story was pretty much made for me. It tells the tale of two competing filmmakers, their rise to popularity and critical success and their upward/downward spiral(s).
Perhaps the most enjoyable aspects are the detailed descriptions of several horror films that do not exist. I get the sense that these films are all ideas brewing in Malerman's mind that he (hopefully) wants to make himself. I pray that he does one day because I desperately want to see each and every one of them.
Note: I can't stop picturing Lance Henriksen as White/The Curator.
Perhaps the most enjoyable aspects are the detailed descriptions of several horror films that do not exist. I get the sense that these films are all ideas brewing in Malerman's mind that he (hopefully) wants to make himself. I pray that he does one day because I desperately want to see each and every one of them.
Note: I can't stop picturing Lance Henriksen as White/The Curator.
November 23, 2015
Great character development in such a short story. This is well thought out, original, and well written. I read this author's book, Bird Box, and had a few moments of anxiety. It's exciting when a writer can make you feel a strong emotion like that, I'm usually so bored. With these two works I can see amazing potential for the future
May 30, 2016
I couldn't decide between 3 and 4 stars, so let's call it 3.5.
I enjoyed reading this, and I appreciated the amount of thought put into it. The ending felt a predictable and a little anti-climactic, but this wasn't the kind of roller coaster of a book that I felt needed a crazy reveal or twist or something. The way it went was how I expected it to go, but that wasn't entirely a bad thing.
I enjoyed reading this, and I appreciated the amount of thought put into it. The ending felt a predictable and a little anti-climactic, but this wasn't the kind of roller coaster of a book that I felt needed a crazy reveal or twist or something. The way it went was how I expected it to go, but that wasn't entirely a bad thing.
November 21, 2016
The story of the two most famous art-horror directors of the period in a fictional early 1960s Hollywood and their vicious rivalry as told first-person by their mutual cinematographer. Thought provoking, resonating, like Malerman's other equally superb novella, A House at the Bottom of a Lake.
January 17, 2016
Definitely intriguing and captivating. The films mentioned within are now films I want to watch. It's a good read and it's short.
July 3, 2016
A great little short story and so, so much better than the disappointing Bird Box.
November 26, 2017
Interesting. no matter the topic malerman keeps my interest.
April 1, 2018
This came as a bonus story in my copy of Bird Box, and simply put, I loved it.
June 4, 2018
Did not finish, 1/3 of the way into iut and nothing is happening.
July 21, 2022
Ghastle and Yule was written by Josh Malerman, the author of Bird Box. It concerns two (fictional) auteurs of 60’s horror cinema who become obsessed with each other’s work. As they become more intertwined with each other you start to wonder: How far will they go to outdo the competition? Malerman totally fractures suspension of disbelief when he describes the huge budgets these directors eventually have to work with (horror cinema of this period was made on the cheap to maximize profit.) Also no film with the title of Beast ****** would ever get made in the 60’s. These nonsensical elements mar what was an interesting concept. If I didn’t recall this era of horror cinema with fondness I think I would have found this a boring read. Two stars.
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October 27, 2018 Reviews and more on my blog LOVELETTERS.
GHASTLE AND YULE is a story about two horror film directors that are obsessed with each other. It's about the macabre, the dark and most importantly about the phrase 'life imitates art' - which already tells you enough about the story. It's graphic and disturbing at times, full of blood and gore. And I'm glad that their films don't exist in real life and that those two only have a fictional background. The story is not even close to being as good as BIRD BOX but it does leave the taste of something scary and realistic that you don't want to think about.
GHASTLE AND YULE is a story about two horror film directors that are obsessed with each other. It's about the macabre, the dark and most importantly about the phrase 'life imitates art' - which already tells you enough about the story. It's graphic and disturbing at times, full of blood and gore. And I'm glad that their films don't exist in real life and that those two only have a fictional background. The story is not even close to being as good as BIRD BOX but it does leave the taste of something scary and realistic that you don't want to think about.
April 20, 2019
Makes me want to marathon some Argento and Fulci back to back. <3
August 1, 2017
3 stars for my second Josh Malerman book.
Josh Malerman is really letting me down. I thought I would love his books. I read this one straight after reading A House at the Bottom of a Lake. After being warned that I might not enjoy A House at the Bottom of a Lake, I wasn't overly worried that it I didn't love it. However, Ghastle and Yule, wasn't much better.
There are three reasons why I liked and didn't like this book. I liked this because:
Firstly, it felt like reading a biography. Ghastle and Yule felt like real people, that did exist and where acclaimed for their horror movies. The story is told by a cinematographer and the extent the author goes to, to make me feel like I was reading about a real production is unparalleled.
Secondly, the lack of overall plot. This added to the story as it allowed you to focus in on the characters and the feud going on between the two rivalling companies. I didn't feel distracted by sub-plots or story arc even slightly. Furthermore, in school you are always told to write with a beginning, a middle and an end. Malerman throws all these rules out to sea and creates something both intriguing and clever.
Thirdly, the suspense. There was a lot of suspense in this novel which left me on edge wanting to know what was going to happen. It can be hard for a novelist to develop this is only 65 pages of a story, however, Malerman managed it with dexterity and ease.
On to the things I didn't like:
Firstly, it felt like a biography. Which is terrible, because it's not a biography. These people didn't exist, so why would I want to read page upon page upon page of what ended up feeling like backstory.
Secondly, the lack of overall plot. At the 80%, I finally felt like the book was starting. There was no interaction between the characters until that point so until then I was completely, and utterly, bored.
Thirdly, the suspense. Nothing actually ends up happening. The novel builds suspense throughout the whole thing to end with nothing happening. This only had one effect. It made the ending fall flat on its face and left the reader with one question, "is that it?"
Josh Malerman is really letting me down. I thought I would love his books. I read this one straight after reading A House at the Bottom of a Lake. After being warned that I might not enjoy A House at the Bottom of a Lake, I wasn't overly worried that it I didn't love it. However, Ghastle and Yule, wasn't much better.
There are three reasons why I liked and didn't like this book. I liked this because:
Firstly, it felt like reading a biography. Ghastle and Yule felt like real people, that did exist and where acclaimed for their horror movies. The story is told by a cinematographer and the extent the author goes to, to make me feel like I was reading about a real production is unparalleled.
Secondly, the lack of overall plot. This added to the story as it allowed you to focus in on the characters and the feud going on between the two rivalling companies. I didn't feel distracted by sub-plots or story arc even slightly. Furthermore, in school you are always told to write with a beginning, a middle and an end. Malerman throws all these rules out to sea and creates something both intriguing and clever.
Thirdly, the suspense. There was a lot of suspense in this novel which left me on edge wanting to know what was going to happen. It can be hard for a novelist to develop this is only 65 pages of a story, however, Malerman managed it with dexterity and ease.
On to the things I didn't like:
Firstly, it felt like a biography. Which is terrible, because it's not a biography. These people didn't exist, so why would I want to read page upon page upon page of what ended up feeling like backstory.
Secondly, the lack of overall plot. At the 80%, I finally felt like the book was starting. There was no interaction between the characters until that point so until then I was completely, and utterly, bored.
Thirdly, the suspense. Nothing actually ends up happening. The novel builds suspense throughout the whole thing to end with nothing happening. This only had one effect. It made the ending fall flat on its face and left the reader with one question, "is that it?"
April 19, 2018
What an odd little book. It's about two competing horror film directors who dissolve into madness and murder. It felt like I was reading an article/biography/personal memoir. Interesting way of looking at it. The fictional film descriptions made me want to see the movies. Hmmmm....Josh Malerman (author of one of my favorite recent books, Bird Box) should take on writing the book versions of the various film plots he created for this novella.
January 10, 2018
This novella/novelette/whatever from Josh Malerman is sufficient to prove that his formidable debut novel, Bird Box, was not a freak and that he has other ideas worth exploring. It moves along at a brisk pace, with 13 chapters crammed into the equivalent (according to Kindle) of a mere 54 pages.
The titular characters are rival horror film directors whose careers seem inextricably interlinked, as Malerman, in a memoir style, recounts their climb from promising newcomers to household names of the ilk of say Carpenter, Craven or Cronenburg (The 'Three Cs', if you will).
Inevitably, things get rather odd and sinister, and the lines between the real and created horrors in the characters' films and lives become increasingly blurred.
It's a solid example of what's becoming something of an identifiable trend of film-themed horror tales, including, for example, 'October Film Haunt: The House' by Michael Wehunt, 'The Seventh Film' by Orrin Grey, and 'Experimental Film' by Gemma Files. In its loving tribute to the horror film genre it is also reminiscent of 'Shambling Towards Hiroshima' by James Morrow, albeit with an entirely dissimilar plot.
For those in the centre of the Venn diagram of horror readers and film nerds, there's really no reason not to read this.
The titular characters are rival horror film directors whose careers seem inextricably interlinked, as Malerman, in a memoir style, recounts their climb from promising newcomers to household names of the ilk of say Carpenter, Craven or Cronenburg (The 'Three Cs', if you will).
Inevitably, things get rather odd and sinister, and the lines between the real and created horrors in the characters' films and lives become increasingly blurred.
It's a solid example of what's becoming something of an identifiable trend of film-themed horror tales, including, for example, 'October Film Haunt: The House' by Michael Wehunt, 'The Seventh Film' by Orrin Grey, and 'Experimental Film' by Gemma Files. In its loving tribute to the horror film genre it is also reminiscent of 'Shambling Towards Hiroshima' by James Morrow, albeit with an entirely dissimilar plot.
For those in the centre of the Venn diagram of horror readers and film nerds, there's really no reason not to read this.
May 23, 2017
A classic story of bitter rivalry, directed by a master of the genre.
Malerman has combined his knowledge of two topics close to his heart, horror cinema and horror fiction, to deliver a compelling and tense tale of professional rivalry and obsession that takes a very dark and sinister turn in the end. Gordon Ghastle and Allan Yule are very believable as characters, as is the protagonist, but the two directors and their mutual contempt are the main focus of the story. From similar beginnings, their careers take slightly different paths, but they are both in the ascendancy. They soon reach an apex, the height of their careers where they realise that, in order to outdo the other, they must do something truly daring. And horrific. But Malerman leaves some of the details of the final act ambiguous, allowing us to consider the lengths and depths these very human characters will strive for, and achieve, to finally claim the prize of being better than the other. Written in a wonderful style that is becoming the trademark of this talented storyteller.
Malerman has combined his knowledge of two topics close to his heart, horror cinema and horror fiction, to deliver a compelling and tense tale of professional rivalry and obsession that takes a very dark and sinister turn in the end. Gordon Ghastle and Allan Yule are very believable as characters, as is the protagonist, but the two directors and their mutual contempt are the main focus of the story. From similar beginnings, their careers take slightly different paths, but they are both in the ascendancy. They soon reach an apex, the height of their careers where they realise that, in order to outdo the other, they must do something truly daring. And horrific. But Malerman leaves some of the details of the final act ambiguous, allowing us to consider the lengths and depths these very human characters will strive for, and achieve, to finally claim the prize of being better than the other. Written in a wonderful style that is becoming the trademark of this talented storyteller.
June 3, 2020
Ghastle and Yule is a selfpublished novella by Josh Malerman is the fictional story of two competing filmmakers trying to one up eachother, eventually leading to devestating consequences.
Ghastle and Yule is a highly original story about obsession and passion that never feels dull but also avoids overstaying its welcome.
It's the kind of hour long read that needs to be read by anyone who wants to spice up their reading with a genre bending story that's absolutely begging for a film adaptation.
9/10. Great.
Ghastle and Yule is a highly original story about obsession and passion that never feels dull but also avoids overstaying its welcome.
It's the kind of hour long read that needs to be read by anyone who wants to spice up their reading with a genre bending story that's absolutely begging for a film adaptation.
9/10. Great.
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