Poor Things (Alasdair Gray)

28 August 2024

Poor Things

A life without freedom to choose is not worth having.

Godwin Baxter's scientific ambition to create the perfect companion is realised when he finds the drowned body of the beautiful Bella, who he brings back to life in a Frankenstein-esque feat. But his dream is thwarted by Dr. Archibald McCandless's jealous love for his creation . . .

But what does Bella think?

This story of true love and scientific daring whirls the reader from the private operating-theatres of late-Victorian Glasgow through aristocratic casinos, low-life Alexandria and a Parisian bordello, reaching an interrupted climax in a Scottish church.

Average Rating:

Ross Hetherington (21 July 2025 19:35)

Absolutely brilliant in every single way, right down to typographic presentation. I could have happily read it all year if it was in 12 volumes - simply so enjoyable.