Book tells story of troubled author

Noel Shepherd and his first book, Mulgan. PHOTO/NATALIE SIXTUS

The last two years of the life of author John Mulgan has been brought to life in a new book.

Whanganui author Noel Shepherd has recently released Mulgan, a novel about the New Zealand writer, journalist and editor.

Mr Shepherd said Mulgan (1911-45) was an interesting, multi-faceted character - as well as a writer he was an Oxford graduate, a British Army officer, a left-leaning political commentator - who committed suicide in 1945.

Mulgan is most well-known for his 1939 book, Man Alone, set during the Great Depression and detailing the story of a loner who is determined to live by his own means. It is considered to be a classic of New Zealand literature.

Mr Shepherd said he first read Man Alone as a young man. He said the book appealed to him and sparked a long-lasting interest in Mulgan and his life.

Part of Man Alone is set in the Waimarino where Mr Shepherd spent a lot of time.

"John Mulgan had relatives living near Raetihi and he often used to go and stay with them," Mr Shepherd said.

However, Mr Shepherd's book is set in Egypt and Greece where Mulgan spent the final two years of his life. He was sent to Egypt in 1942 with the Royal Kents Regiment; and in 1943 he coordinated Greek guerrilla action against the Germans, for which he received the Military Cross.

Mulgan took an overdose of morphine on the eve of Anzac Day in 1945. The reason for his suicide has never been established.

"He was a very troubled man," Mr Shepherd said.

MacLean is Mr Shepherd's first book, although he has had other writings published over the past few decades.

Mulgan is published by Robert Steele, and will be available shortly in bookshops. Recommended retail price is $24.99.