56 pages 1 hour read

Alasdair Gray

Poor Things

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Poor Things by Alasdair Gray is a postmodernist retelling of Frankenstein, chronicling the story of Archibald McCandless, who becomes entwined with the eccentric scientist Godwin Baxter and a mysterious woman named Bella Baxter. McCandless discovers Godwin reanimated Bella using her fetus's brain after her suicide. A series of adventures and relationships evolve, ultimately questioning Victorian norms, scientific ethics, and personal identity. The novel involves themes including depression, sexual violence, and non-consensual medical procedures.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Alasdair Gray's Poor Things fascinates with its imaginative and unconventional narrative, praised for satirizing Victorian literature and intelligently tackling themes of identity and social critique. However, some critics argue the complexity and dense footnotes may alienate readers. The novel's intricate illustrations and unique structure are often highlighted as enriching the reading experience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Poor Things?

Readers who enjoy Poor Things by Alasdair Gray are likely fans of darkly comedic, gothic literature with a satirical twist. They may also appreciate works like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein for its exploration of creation and identity, or Angela Carter's The Bloody Chamber for its subversive storytelling and rich, imaginative prose.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Satire

Period

Post Modernism

Themes

Identity: Femininity

Identity: Gender

Identity: Sexuality

Topics

History: World