REVIEW: ALEISTER CROWLEY MI5
Fact Meets Fiction in McNeff’s Captivating Occult Novel
Richard McNeff’s novel Aleister Crowley MI5 is a gripping and immersive fictional tale grounded in historical fact. The narrative kicks off with an unsettling encounter between the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas and the infamous occultist Aleister Crowley in a Soho pub. This meeting sets Thomas on a thrilling adventure with Victor Neuburg, Crowley’s former apprentice, now disillusioned and estranged from his past.
The story unfolds in the bohemian quarters of Fitzrovia and Soho, where Thomas and Neuburg brush shoulders with notable historical figures such as the artist Augustus John, the eccentric politician Tom Driberg, and even King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. Amid these encounters, Neuburg is forced to confront not only the arcane magick of his youth but also a sinister plot orchestrated by Crowley himself. The aim of this plot, seemingly backed by MI5, is to prevent the abdication of King Edward VIII, thereby maintaining the monarchy’s stability.
McNeff masterfully intertwines fictional elements with meticulously researched historical facts. His portrayal of Crowley is particularly compelling, capturing the complexity of the man often dubbed “The Beast.” Crowley emerges as both charismatic and manipulative, his larger-than-life persona resonating throughout the novel. This nuanced characterization brings Crowley to life in a way that fiction seldom achieves, presenting him as a figure whose bizarre yet fascinating nature could scarcely be fabricated.
Victor Neuburg, Crowley’s lapsed disciple, offers a poignant counterpoint. His internal struggle and haunted past add depth to the narrative, providing a human dimension to the esoteric elements. Interactions with other historical figures, from Augustus John to King Edward VIII, are woven seamlessly into the story, adding layers of intrigue and authenticity.
The novel’s style is a vibrant mix of intrigue and bohemian flair, reminiscent of a Buchan plot populated with Beardsley characters set against an Art Deco backdrop. McNeff’s prose is lively and rich, capturing the essence of 1930s London with vivid descriptions and a keen eye for detail. The settings in Fitzrovia and Soho are brought to life, their smoky pubs and eclectic denizens forming a perfect stage for the unfolding drama.
While the novel’s content is undeniably captivating, the book’s physical presentation leaves much to be desired. The novel, published by Mandrake of Oxford, suffers from the publisher’s lack of attention to detail. The cover artwork is uninspired, the typesetting is subpar, and the overall feel of the paperback is disappointingly cheap. These production flaws detract from the reader’s experience, marring what is otherwise a stellar piece of fiction.
In contrast, the recently published Italian edition by Atlantide Edizioni offers a far superior presentation. For those who can read Italian, this edition is highly recommended for its quality production, which does justice to McNeff’s work.
Aleister Crowley MI5 by Richard McNeff is a tour de force of historical fiction, blending fact and fantasy into a seamless and exhilarating narrative. The book excels in its portrayal of Crowley and the esoteric world he inhabited, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the occult or early 20th-century history. However, the substandard presentation by Mandrake of Oxford prevents the novel from achieving the five-star rating it otherwise deserves. For the best reading experience, the Italian edition by Atlantide Edizioni is the preferred choice.
