This is a book I curse for be allowed only 200 words to review it. I loved it so much and needed so many more words. In the end, for the published review, I settled on the most important plot info you need and doubled down on the feel of the book but there is so much more here than this review can articulate. But good news, I can give you "bonus" review content here. But that's getting too far ahead of ourselves. First, that draft review:
First published April 15, 2024 (Booklist).
Tremblay returns with a terrifying novel about the creation of art and its effect on all it touches. Told with a strong Gen X perspective and dark humor, readers are led by, “The Thin Kid,” identified solely by his character’s name in the 1993 cult film Horror Movie, a film marked by tragedy (he is the only surviving team member). Although never released in full, the film has risen to cult status and is being rebooted 30 years later. Moving effortlessly between “Then” and “Now,” “The Thin Kid” speaks directly to readers, placing them under his spell, despite repeated warning signs not to trust him, explaining the details of the original film, its current reboot, and including sections of the original screenplay. The result, a suspenseful story that is indelibly marked by its relentless unease and disturbing revelations, about the characters, yes, but also, the readers themselves. An immersive reading experience that will forever alter the way those who encounter it watch any Horror movie, ever again. For fans of the cursed film trope like in The Remaking by Chapman or How To Make a Horror Movie and Survive by DiLouie, but it pairs even better with the menacing, intricately plotted, and unputdownable storytelling of Catriona Ward.
Three Words That Describe This Book: cursed film, disturbing, immersive
Further Appeal: As promised I have no many notes and thoughts that I didn't get to. Here we go:
- This novel was clearly a direct result of his experience watching CABIN AT THE END OF THE WORLD be made into a movie. It is about the creation of art, cult fandom, Horror movies in general. How what artists create becomes its own thing outside of their creation….like his experience with seeing a movie made out of his book.
- Tremblay is the master at breaking you as a reader in a way that you are crushed but also so glad you read the book. Yes, he did it again.
- The Thin Kid is both sympathetic and sinister. The story building and twists upon itself until you are all knotted up in it, implicated even, and then you are forced to watch it unravel in a way that is horrifying but also it makes sense in the story. Live with that feeling! I have to now, soon you will too.
- We never completely trust The Thin Kid and yet, we are drawn to him– in all of his iterations. Which is the real Thin Kid? Does he even know? Where does the human end and the character begin? Is there a difference anymore? The fact that he never has a name is important to this point/feeling.
- The levels of storytelling here are compelling as a reader, but also awe inspiring when you think about the narrative's conscious and meticulous construction that somehow feels like it was effortless. The fact that it works so well proves that it was the opposite of effortless. Take this into account-- the book is told in the "then" and "now" timeframes. There is also the screenplay which carries some of the storytelling. And it all feels real. And yet-- all of it is a construct- a story on top of a story, on top of a story, surrounded by 2 movies.
- Great storytelling– 4 distinct layers– adds even more unease that build to outright terror. The audio book we are “reading” The story of the making of the film and the story of its reboot and finally, the script as written by Cleo.
- But for all the layers and intricacies, none of it is at the expenseof the pacing and the ease of falling into the story.
- You experience this book-- immersive-- whether you want to or not.
- This is one of the best, most original, and most terrifying books about a cursed movie ever. And no surprise, but Tremblay nails the ending.
- There is no coddling here. It is intense but also enjoyable to read. Again, live with yourself after finishing it and knowing this is true. Captivating, compelling, you can’t stop reading, even as the tension builds to outright terror.
- Finally, it is true here-- The Book Was Better Than The Movie. (if you know, you know).
Readalikes: There are so many, and yet this book is so unique, there are none. That contradiction defines the feel of the story.
Of course we have the cursed film readalikes from the two above and many more, but this book is both about a cursed movie but unlike all books about cursed movies that have come before it. We Eat our Own by Wilson is another good title in this subgenre.
It has a similar feel to Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward-- a layer, meta book also about story telling itself. Others by her too, but this one for sure.
He dedicated the book to Peter Straub, and I can see that as well.
This one pairs very well with The Pallbearers Club as a Tremblay double feature.
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