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Poor Things

Read the extraordinary book behind the award-winning film
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( 38,459 ratings, 5,486 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Poor Things by Alasdair Gray is a captivating tale set in Victorian Scotland, blending elements of science fiction, fantasy, and dark humour. The story revolves around the mysterious resurrection of a young woman and the ensuing adventures that challenge societal norms and explore the boundaries of life and identity.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy a blend of dark humour, Victorian settings, and thought-provoking themes about humanity and identity. The narrative, filled with eccentric characters and imaginative twists, offers a unique and satirical take on classic sci-fi and fantasy elements.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

WINNER OF FOUR ACADEMY AWARDS, FIVE BAFTAS, and TWO GOLDEN GLOBES. STARRING EMMA STONE, FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE FAVOURITE

Winner of the Whitbread Novel Award and the Guardian Fiction Prize

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, whom 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.

'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

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Poor Things by Alasdair Gray is praised for its inventive storytelling and clever satire. Reviewers have highlighted its unique blend of dark humour and social commentary, along with its intriguing characters and imaginative narrative. Fans of the book appreciate Gray's distinctive style and the thought-provoking themes he explores.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781526657886

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 August 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 280g

Pages: 336

About the Author

ALASDAIR GRAY won the the Whitbread and Guardian Awards for Poor Things. He is also the author of The Book of Prefaces, the story-collection Ten Tales Tall and True, and the groundbreaking modern classic Lanark.

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