Poor Things

Poor Things by Alasdair Gray is a dazzling exploration of human nature, scientific ambition, and the essence of life itself. Set against the backdrop of late-Victorian Glasgow, the story begins with Godwin Baxter, an eccentric but brilliant scientist whose ambitions reach extraordinary, and frankly, jaw-dropping heights. His life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers the lifeless body of a drowned woman. Not content with fate’s decree, Baxter performs a feat reminiscent of Frankenstein, bringing the beautiful Bella back to life. What follows is a controversial and thrilling narrative that probes the limits of scientific innovation and the complexities of relationships. As Bella awakens to her new existence, she does so with no memory of her past life. Her innocence and inquisitiveness bring fresh perspectives not just to the world she inhabits but also to the lives she touches. However, the saga takes a twisted turn when Dr. Archibald McCandless, a colleague of Baxter, becomes overwhelmingly enamoured with Bella, leading to a dramatic and often contentious love triangle. This whirlwind of emotions and ethical questions propels the reader through a series of richly depicted settings, from the bustling operating theatres of Glasgow to the opulent casinos of the aristocracy, and from the squalor of Alexandria’s underbelly to the seductive allure of a Parisian bordello. What truly sets Poor Things apart is Bella herself — her development, thoughts, and sentiments are captured with extraordinary nuance, making her the beating heart of the story. As the plot unfolds, readers are compelled to ponder: What does Bella think of her circumstances? How does she navigate her new-found freedom and the love that others have projected onto her? This gripping tale of true love intertwined with scientific quest keeps the reader on edge, culminating in a climax that is as dramatic as it is heartfelt, set against the stark beauty of a Scottish church. Winner of the Whitbread Novel Award and the Guardian Fiction Prize, this novel has been celebrated for its daring and visionary storytelling.

'A magnificently brisk, funny, dirty, brainy book' London Review of Books

'Visionary, ornate and outrageous' The Independent

'Witty and delightfully written' New York Times

'A brilliant marriage of technique, intelligence, and art.' Kirkus Reviews

'The greatest Scottish novelist since Sir Walter Scott' Anthony Burgess

'Those who, like me, are unsure if they are Alasdair Gray fans or not, ought to fall on Poor Things with delight, and not just because of the almost excessive beauty of its appearance' Philip Hensher, Spectator

Beyond its gripping narrative, Poor Things stands as a testament to Alasdair Gray’s unparalleled craftsmanship, combining vivid characterisation with a thought-provoking critique of societal norms. This book is not merely read but experienced, offering profound insights wrapped in a spellbinding story.