I've always had an interest in Scientology--the whole 'charismatic redhead scifi author invents religion, defrauds millions, sails around on yacht' thing sounded like a dream. But Scientology as it exists is a nightmare, a brainwashing cult that at best charges extortionate amounts for nonsense and at worst, cuts a person off from their family and imprisons them in slave labor camps.

Going Clear is the definitive account of Scientology as it exists today, a massive corporation run for the benefit of David Miscavige and a handful of Hollywood superstars. Wright is most interested in the chaos at the top, as viewed through the eyes of a number of senior defectors, but he also delves into the history of Scientology. His account is more favorable to L. Ron Hubbard than many-treating him as a brilliant charlatan who immense life work is of value mainly because of its scope and amibition, rather than its coherence or utility. Operation Snow White, the largest domestic espionage operation in US history, is also treated briefly. But these flaws cannot detract from the authoritative collection of narratives that Wright has gathered on one of modernity's most evil movements.