The Great When by Alan Moore

London, that grand old dame of cities, has always been more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living, breathing entity with layers upon layers of history, mystery, and magic. And who better to peel back those layers than the inimitable Alan Moore? In “The Great When,” the first installment of his Long London series, Alan Moore takes us on a mind-bending romp through post-war London and its otherworldly doppelganger. It’s a tale that’ll make you look at the city—hell, at reality itself—with fresh eyes and a healthy dose of wonder.

Plot Unraveled: A Bookish Adventure Gone Bonkers

Right, so here’s the skinny: We’ve got Dennis Knuckleyard, your average eighteen-year-old Joe working in a second-hand bookshop. Poor sod’s just trying to get by, living under the thumb of his scary-as-hell boss and landlady, Coffin Ada. (And boy, does she live up to that name!)

One day, Ada sends Dennis on what seems like a routine book-fetching errand. But wouldn’t you know it, one of the books he brings back shouldn’t exist. It’s “A London Walk” by some Reverend Hampole—a book that’s only ever been mentioned in another author’s novel. Fictional, see? Except now it’s real, and Dennis is holding it.

This is where things go from weird to bonkers. Ada tells Dennis the book’s from “the other London” – the Great When. It’s a version of the city that’s beyond time, where different eras mix and mingle, and abstract concepts like Crime and Poetry are actual beings. (I know, right? Stick with me, though.)

The kicker? If Dennis doesn’t return the book to this other London, he’s a dead man walking. So off he goes, diving headfirst into London’s occult underbelly, rubbing elbows with sorcerers, gangsters, and killers. Before he knows it, our Dennis is smack in the middle of a right mess that could spell doom for both Londons.

Characters That’ll Haunt You (In a Good Way)

Moore’s cast is a motley crew of unforgettable oddballs:

• Dennis Knuckleyard: Our hapless hero, just trying to navigate this bonkers situation without losing his marbles (or his life).
• Coffin Ada: Dennis’s terrifying boss/landlady. Think Mrs. Lovett from Sweeney Todd, but with books instead of pies.
• Austin Spare: A real-life occultist and artist, brought to vivid life by Moore’s pen.
• Jack Spot: A gangster with his eye on the otherworldly prize.
• Grace Shilling: A young woman who becomes Dennis’s unexpected ally.

Moore’s Magical Pen: Writing That Weaves Spells

Look, I’ll level with you—Alan Moore isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. His writing can be dense, layered, and sometimes downright hallucinogenic. But hot damn, when he’s on form, there’s no one quite like him. And in “The Great When,” he’s firing on all cylinders.

Moore’s prose is a delicious mix of gritty realism and flights of fancy. One minute you’re trudging through the bomb-scarred streets of post-war London, the next you’re careening through a psychedelic wonderland where the laws of physics are more like polite suggestions. It’s disorienting, sure, but in the best possible way.

Dialogue That Crackles

The way Moore captures the voices of his characters is nothing short of masterful. From Dennis’s bewildered narration to Coffin Ada’s rasping threats, each character has a distinct voice that leaps off the page. And when they start bantering? Pure gold.

A Love Letter to London

At its heart, “The Great When” is a love letter to London—both the real city and the mythical one that exists in our collective imagination. Moore’s knowledge of London’s history and lore is encyclopedic, and he weaves it into the story with the skill of a master tailor.

Themes That’ll Make Your Brain Itch

Moore’s never been one for light reading, and “The Great When” is no exception. Beneath the rollicking adventure, he’s tackling some heavy themes:

• The nature of reality and perception
• The power of stories and imagination
• The weight of history and its impact on the present
• The blurry line between magic and madness

It’s heady stuff, but Moore never lets it overshadow the fun of the story. He’s like that cool professor who can make even the most complex ideas digestible (and entertaining).

Comparisons and Context: Where Does It Fit?

“The Great When” feels like the lovechild of Neil Gaiman’s “Neverwhere” and China Miéville’s “Un Lun Dun,” with a healthy dose of Alan Moore’s own “From Hell” thrown in for good measure. It’s urban fantasy, sure, but with a distinctly literary bent.

For Moore fans, you’ll find echoes of his earlier works here—the occult shenanigans of “Promethea,” the historical deep-dives of “From Hell,” the sheer imaginative power of “Jerusalem.” But “The Great When” feels fresher, more playful. It’s like Moore’s taken all the best bits of his previous works and distilled them into something new and intoxicating.

The Verdict: A Mind-Bending Must-Read

Look, I’ll be straight with you—”The Great When” by Alan Moore isn’t an easy read. It’s dense, it’s weird, and it’ll probably leave you scratching your head more than once. But holy smokes, is it worth it.

Moore’s created a world that’s at once familiar and utterly alien, populated by characters you can’t help but root for (or against). It’s a book that’ll make you look at London—hell, at your own city—with new eyes, wondering what strange realities might be lurking just out of sight.

If you’re a fan of Moore’s previous work, urban fantasy, or just damn good storytelling, do yourself a favor and pick up “The Great When.” Just be prepared for a wild ride—and maybe keep a map of London handy. You might need it.

Who Should Read This?

• Alan Moore devotees (obviously)
• Urban fantasy fans looking for something meatier
• History buffs with a taste for the weird
• Anyone who’s ever looked at a city and wondered about its hidden depths

Who Should Maybe Give It a Miss?

• Readers who prefer their plots straightforward and their realities un-bent
• Those easily frustrated by dense prose and multiple plot threads
• Anyone looking for a quick, light read (this ain’t it, chief)

Final Thoughts: A New Chapter in Moore’s Legacy

With “The Great When,” Alan Moore proves once again why he’s one of the most inventive and influential writers of our time. It’s a book that’ll stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page, making you see your world just a little bit differently.

As the first book in the Long London series, it sets the stage for what promises to be an epic journey through the hidden heart of one of the world’s great cities. If the rest of the series is half as good as this opener, we’re in for a treat.

So go on, take a walk on London’s wild side. Just watch your step—you never know where (or when) you might end up.