Book Review: The Great When (The Long London Quintet, #1) by Alan Moore
There’s something undeniably magnetic about picking up a new Alan Moore book. His deep-seated ability to weave grand narratives lush with potential and detail drew me in as soon as I learned about The Great When. After all, this is the mind behind world-altering tales like Watchmen and From Hell. I was eager to see how he would tackle the sprawling, multifaceted concept of “London” in what is the first installment of a projected quintet.
Journey Through Londons
Moore introduces us to a post-War London that feels both familiar and otherworldly. The debris of history lies heavy, and his prose brims with an exuberance that often veers into the chaotic—especially in Long London, which serves as a vivid contrast to the drabness of Short London. Here, the macabre and magical intertwine, mirroring the city’s many layers. I found myself chuckling when the narrative veered into the absurd, reminiscent of the “grubbiness” that defined Thunderman and Jerusalem. The sickly-sweet smell of overstuffed prose sometimes made it hard to navigate the narrative waters, but it was that very excess that propelled me forward, much like a rollercoaster ride through a haunted house.
As for the characters, they are a mixed bag. Dennis Knuckleyard, our hapless protagonist, initially felt like a character I could root for, but I found his apparent bewilderment off-putting at times. Instead, my attention was drawn to the shimmering, complex world around him and the supporting cast. The female characters—a landlady who embodies the city’s wear and tear and the archetypal streetwalker with a heart of gold—felt a bit like clichés coming to life. But perhaps that’s intentional; Moore has a knack for flipping tropes on their heads, and perhaps these will evolve as the series progresses.
Writing Style and Nostalgia
Moore’s writing remains as formal and much maligned as ever, filled with flourishes and observations that sometimes made me pause for thought—or cringe a little. Yet, there are moments of sheer beauty, as when he captures the essence of time and place with phrases that stick to the memory like honey. I did sense a few awkward phrasings, like a “gambler as stately as a riverboat,” which detracted from the overall rhythm at points. Yet, when he hits the mark, it’s like watching an acrobat dance through the air—graceful, breathtaking, and unforgettable.
While I read, snippets of familiar folklore and clever dialogue kept me intrigued, though I occasionally felt a twinge of déjà vu. Having dabbled in the works of Arthur Machen and seen Moore’s previous take on London, I was navigating through some well-trodden paths. The inclusion of historical references stirred nostalgia, tapping into my journey through London’s literary history.
Who Should Read This?
Despite my gripes, I genuinely enjoyed The Great When. It may not be Moore’s finest work (and let’s be honest, that’s a tall order), but it has its merits and plenty of potential for intrigue. Fans of urban fantasy and those who appreciate the amalgamation of history and myth will find treasures between the pages. I suspect that the final third, with its cliffhanger and flash-forward, hints at more thrilling developments in upcoming installments.
So, will I continue this journey into Long London? Absolutely. Alan Moore, with all his brilliance and quirkiness, has crafted a world worthy of exploration, and I am here for the rollercoaster ride that awaits.
In the end, whether you’re a longtime Moore aficionado or a newcomer eager to dive into the depths of his imagination, this first book promises an adventurous start. Just buckle up and prepare for the delightful chaos that is Alan Moore’s vision of London!
Discover more about The Great When (The Long London Quintet, #1) on GoodReads >>