Although Workman ignored my request for a review copy of this book, Sharon C. Figura being kind enough to provide me with a copy, I will nevertheless review it and politely send Workman a complimentary copy of this review. What can I say? That's just the kind of guy I am.
Basically this satirical novel reads like the PBS film version of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy that I enjoyed several years ago, and it is almost as witty. Good Omens is about the impending end of the world, the coming of the Four Motorcyclists of the Apocalypse, the Antichrist, an eleven year old boy who "loves his dog even though it's really a Satanic hell-hound under all that hair, really cares about the environment and is the sort of boy anyone would be proud to have as a son," and Aziraphale, a "genuine angel and London book shop owner", as well as his opposite number, Crowley, "Hell's most approachable demon and former serpent". It is about the prophecies of Agnus Nutter regarding the end of the world and how Crowley and Aziraphale set about to put a stop to the end of the world because, well, they have come to like the place just as it is.
Naturally it was the name Crowley that interested me in the book, but he appears only to have a superficial resemblance to the genuine Aleister Crowley in his twenties, his name is Anthony and not Aleister, yet one cannot help thinking that the authors definitely had A.C. in mind when they created the character. He is described as
I would love to go on and on about this book, treating you to some amusing quotations, but frankly I haven't the space and I do not want to spoil the book for you. Despite the impoliteness [cheapness?] of the publisher, I can recommend this entertaining book and suggest that you pick up a copy as it is sure to pick you up in return. Tell 'em G.M.Kelly recommended it!
[Encyclical Letter, Samhain 1992 E.V.]