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Trip to the Moon: Understanding the True Power Of Story
A masterclass in telling stories - and how they shape our world - from the internationally renowned narrative expert
To command narrative is to control a sometimes frightening power. What is it that turbocharges some tales, and how is it possible to harness that potency?
John Yorke has revolutionised our understanding of story structure. In this new book he delves deeper – into how to put that structure to work in the world. Trip to the Moon takes us on a journey not just through drama and fiction but through politics, religion and non-western narrative, to seek out the role of story in all our lives, examining how to utilise its lessons to create life-changing tales – and, in a world aflame with conspiracy theories, to guard ourselves against their darker purpose too.
Revealing the artful symmetry and underlying principles that connect Summer beach reads to Classical Chinese poetry, superhero flicks to Russian arthouse, and classical rhetoric to state propaganda, Yorke makes dazzling connections that show how stories have the power to transfigure the chaos of our existence into a new equilibrium, and make the world anew.
To command narrative is to control a sometimes frightening power. What is it that turbocharges some tales, and how is it possible to harness that potency?
John Yorke has revolutionised our understanding of story structure. In this new book he delves deeper – into how to put that structure to work in the world. Trip to the Moon takes us on a journey not just through drama and fiction but through politics, religion and non-western narrative, to seek out the role of story in all our lives, examining how to utilise its lessons to create life-changing tales – and, in a world aflame with conspiracy theories, to guard ourselves against their darker purpose too.
Revealing the artful symmetry and underlying principles that connect Summer beach reads to Classical Chinese poetry, superhero flicks to Russian arthouse, and classical rhetoric to state propaganda, Yorke makes dazzling connections that show how stories have the power to transfigure the chaos of our existence into a new equilibrium, and make the world anew.
- GenresNonfictionWriting
468 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
15 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 14, 2026
Firstly, let’s explore what this book doesn’t do. It isn’t any sort of how-to guide for authors and screenwriters on how to write a compelling narrative. Instead, it’s a progression from Yorke’s previous bestseller, Into the Woods, that I understand does look at how stories go together as a guide to writers.
Yorke repeats several times throughout the book that while writing Into the Woods, he became increasingly interested in just how storytelling and the art of story permeates all our lives. So this book is a deep dive into how story works for every single one of us and how we’re predisposed to absorb and yearn for the burst of pleasure a well-structured story gives us. This doesn’t merely apply to enjoyable books, plays films and essays. Or even non-fiction reports and newspaper articles – it also holds true for ministers in pulpits and politicians wrangling for our vote. It holds true for lawmakers in any parliament around the world persuading their peers to pass laws. And it also holds true for stories that take on a life of their own, going viral on social media, often with life-changing consequences for those who find themselves, rightly or wrongly, caught up in the centre of the narrative.
Yorke uses particular examples, ranging from the amazing Trip to the Moon, a French film written, directed and produced by George Méliès and inspired by Jules Verne’s From the Earth to the Moon, which was released in 1902 and revolutionised the approach to filmmaking in its infancy – to more familiar examples, such as Stars Wars, the Harry Potter series, Happy Valley, Chernobyl, Crash, the Shawshank Redemption… I could go on and on. However, he also looks at the influence of story and narrative in American and British politics that helped the rise of characters such as Donald Trump and Boris Johnson. And how the use of narrative and story is prevalent in religion – though anyone acquainted with New Testament in The Bible shouldn’t be surprised at that aspect. After all, Jesus preached by telling his followers stories – lots of them.
Yorke also looks at the impact of story on other cultures around the world. There is a prevalent theory that the Western structure, especially the Hero’s Journey, has drowned out indigenous forms of storytelling around the world. Yorke disagrees with this mindset – he argues that while the style and flavour of the storytelling may be different, the fundamental aspects, including the Hero’s Journey emerges in all major cultures. And to prove his point, he goes on to examine several major texts, such as the Mahabharata in India. He also examines stories that have become popular in the West – China’s The Water Margin, the Arabian Nights, and the Anansi stories, among others, highlighting why they have such a universal appeal.
The conclusions to Yorke’s investigation are both chilling and important. Humans are hardwired to respond deeply and emotionally to classically structured stories. Not only do we respond – we instinctively bond to them, either wanting to be part of them, or read and watch more. Conmen and women use stories with this structure to reel us in and part us from hard-earned cash. The fates of countries are tied to our longing for a well-told story – for if the wrong politician comes along with the right tale, our instinct is to vote for them, no matter how unsuitable or corrupt they are. At the very least, we need to know we possess this predilection in order to guard against it. And for those of us who regularly love to get lost in books, films and TV series – this is a fascinating insight into why. Highly recommended. While I obtained a copy of Trip to the Moon: Understanding the True Power of Story from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10
Yorke repeats several times throughout the book that while writing Into the Woods, he became increasingly interested in just how storytelling and the art of story permeates all our lives. So this book is a deep dive into how story works for every single one of us and how we’re predisposed to absorb and yearn for the burst of pleasure a well-structured story gives us. This doesn’t merely apply to enjoyable books, plays films and essays. Or even non-fiction reports and newspaper articles – it also holds true for ministers in pulpits and politicians wrangling for our vote. It holds true for lawmakers in any parliament around the world persuading their peers to pass laws. And it also holds true for stories that take on a life of their own, going viral on social media, often with life-changing consequences for those who find themselves, rightly or wrongly, caught up in the centre of the narrative.
Yorke uses particular examples, ranging from the amazing Trip to the Moon, a French film written, directed and produced by George Méliès and inspired by Jules Verne’s From the Earth to the Moon, which was released in 1902 and revolutionised the approach to filmmaking in its infancy – to more familiar examples, such as Stars Wars, the Harry Potter series, Happy Valley, Chernobyl, Crash, the Shawshank Redemption… I could go on and on. However, he also looks at the influence of story and narrative in American and British politics that helped the rise of characters such as Donald Trump and Boris Johnson. And how the use of narrative and story is prevalent in religion – though anyone acquainted with New Testament in The Bible shouldn’t be surprised at that aspect. After all, Jesus preached by telling his followers stories – lots of them.
Yorke also looks at the impact of story on other cultures around the world. There is a prevalent theory that the Western structure, especially the Hero’s Journey, has drowned out indigenous forms of storytelling around the world. Yorke disagrees with this mindset – he argues that while the style and flavour of the storytelling may be different, the fundamental aspects, including the Hero’s Journey emerges in all major cultures. And to prove his point, he goes on to examine several major texts, such as the Mahabharata in India. He also examines stories that have become popular in the West – China’s The Water Margin, the Arabian Nights, and the Anansi stories, among others, highlighting why they have such a universal appeal.
The conclusions to Yorke’s investigation are both chilling and important. Humans are hardwired to respond deeply and emotionally to classically structured stories. Not only do we respond – we instinctively bond to them, either wanting to be part of them, or read and watch more. Conmen and women use stories with this structure to reel us in and part us from hard-earned cash. The fates of countries are tied to our longing for a well-told story – for if the wrong politician comes along with the right tale, our instinct is to vote for them, no matter how unsuitable or corrupt they are. At the very least, we need to know we possess this predilection in order to guard against it. And for those of us who regularly love to get lost in books, films and TV series – this is a fascinating insight into why. Highly recommended. While I obtained a copy of Trip to the Moon: Understanding the True Power of Story from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m a writer who’s not really a writer. I love to write; I write for work and I write in my spare time for my blogs. And in my head, I write novels. I haven’t really ever put these to paper, but I know that one day I will, so I gather information for them like a magpie.
This is written more like a series of essays than as a directive on how to write stories. It’s an analysis and discussion rather than step-by-step instructions. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went into it, maybe something more simplistic or “how-to”. Instead, it feels like something you might read to study the topic of narrative, rather than just for easy enjoyment, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I wasn’t particularly interested in the political or religion-heavy sections, but even there, there were still moments and ideas that jumped out to me and felt worth sitting with.
I really enjoyed the section on non-Western narrative in particular. It felt refreshing and genuinely broadened how I think about storytelling beyond the structures we’re so used to seeing. I feel like I've discovered something new here and will definitely explore more narratives. It feels like this has really broadened the scope of what types of story I would enjoy consuming.
Some parts went a bit above my head because I didn’t always understand or know the literary references. But there were also plenty of moments where I’d never heard of the story, book or film being mentioned, yet you could still tell from Yorke’s description that it was a powerful narrative. That in itself felt very telling, almost reinforcing the book’s message that humans are wired for story, and that even something as simple as a series of social media posts could hook us emotionally if it follows the narrative patterns we instinctively respond to.
I also found the discussions around conspiracy theories fascinating, especially the idea that they often become believable because they mimic familiar narrative structures. That really stuck with me.
I don’t think I’ve highlighted so many sections in a book for a long time!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
This is written more like a series of essays than as a directive on how to write stories. It’s an analysis and discussion rather than step-by-step instructions. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went into it, maybe something more simplistic or “how-to”. Instead, it feels like something you might read to study the topic of narrative, rather than just for easy enjoyment, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I wasn’t particularly interested in the political or religion-heavy sections, but even there, there were still moments and ideas that jumped out to me and felt worth sitting with.
I really enjoyed the section on non-Western narrative in particular. It felt refreshing and genuinely broadened how I think about storytelling beyond the structures we’re so used to seeing. I feel like I've discovered something new here and will definitely explore more narratives. It feels like this has really broadened the scope of what types of story I would enjoy consuming.
Some parts went a bit above my head because I didn’t always understand or know the literary references. But there were also plenty of moments where I’d never heard of the story, book or film being mentioned, yet you could still tell from Yorke’s description that it was a powerful narrative. That in itself felt very telling, almost reinforcing the book’s message that humans are wired for story, and that even something as simple as a series of social media posts could hook us emotionally if it follows the narrative patterns we instinctively respond to.
I also found the discussions around conspiracy theories fascinating, especially the idea that they often become believable because they mimic familiar narrative structures. That really stuck with me.
I don’t think I’ve highlighted so many sections in a book for a long time!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
February 6, 2026
Trip to the Moon is in effect as series of essays analyzing the impact of story on politics, religion, and world order, and very different to “Into the Woods”. Indeed, John Yorke’s book “Trip to the Moon” is not a writer’s manual but a philosophical examination of the purpose, structure, and influence of story.
This is an extremely interesting and thought-provoking book, but for the jobbing author not so much a ‘useful’ one, in the way of Into the Woods. Think of the two texts as if they were written about food. Into the Woods is the equivalent of a recipe book, providing the would-be cook a guide on how to go from raw ingredient to meal on the table. However, Trip to the Moon is more a book about the philosophy of food, how lack of it triggers migration, why some ingredients are more expensive than others, and how different cultures have different palates. Do you see the difference?
The author uses various aspects of storytelling to show how the power of the words can change the world (often not for the better.) For example, he expounds on rhetoric and cites both Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump as an examples. The latter left me with a cold sinking feeling as the author explains how Trump’s simple messaging is like catnip to the voter.
As a parting shot, the quote below gives a feel of the tenure of Trip to the Moon.
• A story walks freely down the street, an ideology has a bodyguard, and a religion has an armed escort, outriders and agents, with an ambulance coming up behind. A cult has assassins. The perfect story is a killing machine.
The trick to reading Trip to the Moon is reader expectation. Open the pages thinking this is a how-to writing manual and you will leave dissatisfied. But go into it hungering to gorge on the philosophy and ethics of words and it is a feast. Take your pick.
This is an extremely interesting and thought-provoking book, but for the jobbing author not so much a ‘useful’ one, in the way of Into the Woods. Think of the two texts as if they were written about food. Into the Woods is the equivalent of a recipe book, providing the would-be cook a guide on how to go from raw ingredient to meal on the table. However, Trip to the Moon is more a book about the philosophy of food, how lack of it triggers migration, why some ingredients are more expensive than others, and how different cultures have different palates. Do you see the difference?
The author uses various aspects of storytelling to show how the power of the words can change the world (often not for the better.) For example, he expounds on rhetoric and cites both Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump as an examples. The latter left me with a cold sinking feeling as the author explains how Trump’s simple messaging is like catnip to the voter.
As a parting shot, the quote below gives a feel of the tenure of Trip to the Moon.
• A story walks freely down the street, an ideology has a bodyguard, and a religion has an armed escort, outriders and agents, with an ambulance coming up behind. A cult has assassins. The perfect story is a killing machine.
The trick to reading Trip to the Moon is reader expectation. Open the pages thinking this is a how-to writing manual and you will leave dissatisfied. But go into it hungering to gorge on the philosophy and ethics of words and it is a feast. Take your pick.
February 13, 2026
A lot of people will pick this up expecting a practical guide to writing, something in the vein of Yorke's earlier Into the Woods, and come away frustrated. That's worth knowing before you start. The difference between the two books is a bit like the difference between a recipe book and a book about the philosophy of food. This is firmly the latter: a series of essays examining why stories hold such power over us, how they shape politics, religion, and culture, and what that means for the world we live in.
On those terms, it's genuinely interesting. The section on non-Western narrative feels fresh and expansive, and the exploration of conspiracy theories, specifically how they gain traction by mimicking familiar story structures, is one of the more memorable ideas in the book. Yorke clearly has a deep understanding of his subject, and there are passages worth underlining.
That said, the book has a darker undertow that's hard to shake. Yorke's analysis of how divisive, polarising narratives tend to be the most powerful ones is difficult to argue with, but it sits uncomfortably. It reads less like an invitation to write better stories and more like a cold-eyed account of how storytelling gets weaponised in politics, rhetoric, and beyond.
Accessibility is also uneven. Some sections are dense with literary and cultural references that can leave you behind, and the political and religious stretches feel heavy-going at times.
Rewarding in places, but worth going in with the right expectations.
On those terms, it's genuinely interesting. The section on non-Western narrative feels fresh and expansive, and the exploration of conspiracy theories, specifically how they gain traction by mimicking familiar story structures, is one of the more memorable ideas in the book. Yorke clearly has a deep understanding of his subject, and there are passages worth underlining.
That said, the book has a darker undertow that's hard to shake. Yorke's analysis of how divisive, polarising narratives tend to be the most powerful ones is difficult to argue with, but it sits uncomfortably. It reads less like an invitation to write better stories and more like a cold-eyed account of how storytelling gets weaponised in politics, rhetoric, and beyond.
Accessibility is also uneven. Some sections are dense with literary and cultural references that can leave you behind, and the political and religious stretches feel heavy-going at times.
Rewarding in places, but worth going in with the right expectations.
February 4, 2026
Well, this certainly didn't have the same impact on me as Into the Woods. Partly that's because it feels like a long defence of his earlier arguments, so it didn't teach me anything fundamentally different. And partly, because his conclusions are so depressing. He's basically saying that the most powerful stories are those that are divisive, polarising, and addictive. I'm not saying he's incorrect, in essence... but that's not the sort of storyteller I want to be.
Yorke is telling us how to use the lessons of politics and rhetoric to create a sense that the 'other' is an antagonist that needs defeating. While I agree that the hero defeating their psychological, inner antagonists - the character arc - depends on this polarisation, applying that universally to story arcs is what's got the world into this mess. Writers have an opportunity to tell stories that reduce the gap between 'us' and 'them', rather than widen it. Here, it feels like Yorke is encouraging us to sacrifice that ideal on the altar of commercialism. I don't think that's what he intended, but that's how it came across to me.
Yorke is telling us how to use the lessons of politics and rhetoric to create a sense that the 'other' is an antagonist that needs defeating. While I agree that the hero defeating their psychological, inner antagonists - the character arc - depends on this polarisation, applying that universally to story arcs is what's got the world into this mess. Writers have an opportunity to tell stories that reduce the gap between 'us' and 'them', rather than widen it. Here, it feels like Yorke is encouraging us to sacrifice that ideal on the altar of commercialism. I don't think that's what he intended, but that's how it came across to me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Admittedly, I was slightly worried Trip to The Moon would be a bit too academic for my liking after downloading it.
I’m delighted to say that wasn’t the case at all. Here, Yorke presents a highly approachable and easy-to-digest look at stories: their power and how they shape our lives — and they do. From adverts, to politics, to religion, to radicalisation, to conspiracy theory, humans are constantly driven by, and in thrall to, the power of stories.
In Trip to The Moon, Yorke covers a vast amount of ground on the subject. He looks at the structure of many famous films, how other cultures approach the art of storytelling, and — perhaps, or personally, I thought so — the impact that stories have on the human mind: how they give humanity drive and purpose.
This was a remarkable and deeply thought-provoking book. I will definitely be looking up Yorke’s other work, Into The Woods, on the back of this.
With thanks to Penguin for the ARC.
I’m delighted to say that wasn’t the case at all. Here, Yorke presents a highly approachable and easy-to-digest look at stories: their power and how they shape our lives — and they do. From adverts, to politics, to religion, to radicalisation, to conspiracy theory, humans are constantly driven by, and in thrall to, the power of stories.
In Trip to The Moon, Yorke covers a vast amount of ground on the subject. He looks at the structure of many famous films, how other cultures approach the art of storytelling, and — perhaps, or personally, I thought so — the impact that stories have on the human mind: how they give humanity drive and purpose.
This was a remarkable and deeply thought-provoking book. I will definitely be looking up Yorke’s other work, Into The Woods, on the back of this.
With thanks to Penguin for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was asked to review this by NetGalley
I read this today on a "snow day"
Wow this is so well written and took me on this journey through time and space - to show how stories shape our lives- from religion to what media we consume. This seemed to me before reading that this would be super high brow but no this was so readable, thought provoking- I was mesmorised.
I learnt this book was the sequel to Into the Woods - so I will be ordering this today.
Such a recommended book and not long to wait due for publication 29 January 2026.
I read this today on a "snow day"
Wow this is so well written and took me on this journey through time and space - to show how stories shape our lives- from religion to what media we consume. This seemed to me before reading that this would be super high brow but no this was so readable, thought provoking- I was mesmorised.
I learnt this book was the sequel to Into the Woods - so I will be ordering this today.
Such a recommended book and not long to wait due for publication 29 January 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an extended erudite dissertation on the art of writing.
John Yorke discussed some things that I had not heard of, but in general readers will have heard of the books, films etc. discussed.
I was amazed by some of the statements here, but those that I knew about were almost certainly true.
There was indeed several tips to how to write (a book/film) that will get noticed.
A heavy read but well worth the time spent absorbing the knowledge and insights contained within.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
John Yorke discussed some things that I had not heard of, but in general readers will have heard of the books, films etc. discussed.
I was amazed by some of the statements here, but those that I knew about were almost certainly true.
There was indeed several tips to how to write (a book/film) that will get noticed.
A heavy read but well worth the time spent absorbing the knowledge and insights contained within.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In highly digestible prose, John Yorke writes about the power of stories, storytelling and the importance of the link between stories and humanity. For a comparatively short book, Yorke covers some intricate and fascinating areas of the subject, looking at art, film, politics and linking conspiracy theories, radicalisation and advertising to it. An excellent companion to anyone interested in philosophy, psychology and creative writing. Very impressive and highly recommended. Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
February 15, 2026
I've read Into the woods by this author but I found this book so much better. The way he makes his points is so accessible and memorable, using not just literature and films but what is happening in every day life. Stories are all around us if we care to look and learn. Reading this was like having a wonderful conversation and it's really helped me to focus on what is important in my own writing. I'm a published author, on book seventeen and there's always more to learn. I'll be recommending this to author friends so we can up our game! Fabulous read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
this was a dnf as the writing was so small and 70 pages in it was dragging but it was really interesting. about story and what makes a story and screen play and a bit of art .
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews