DNF Review - Poor Things by Alasdair Gray

 

 

 

Title: Poor Things

Author: Alasdair Gray

Pages: 339

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Release Date: 1st August 2024

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

 One of Alasdair Gray's most brilliant creations, Poor Things is a postmodern revision of Frankenstein that replaces the traditional monster with Bella Baxter - a beautiful young erotomaniac brought back to life with the brain of an infant. Godwin Baxter's scientific ambition to create the perfect companion is realized when he finds the drowned body of Bella, but his dream is thwarted by Dr. Archibald McCandless's jealous love for Baxter's creation.

The hilarious tale of love and scandal that ensues would be "the whole story" in the hands of a lesser author (which in fact it is, for this account is actually written by Dr. McCandless). For Gray, though, this is only half the story, after which Bella (a.k.a. Victoria McCandless) has her own say in the matter. Satirizing the classic Victorian novel, Poor Things is a hilarious political allegory and a thought-provoking duel between the desires of men and the independence of women, from one of Scotland's most accomplished author.

  

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My Review: 

*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ)*

 

- DNF at 42% -

Doctor Godwin Baxter revives the body of a dead woman using the brain of her unborn baby, and names her Bella Baxter.

Godwin's friend Doctor McCandless meets Bella and instantly falls in love with her.

Both Godwin and McCandless have plans for Bella, but those are torn up when Bella takes matters into her own hands.

I hadn't heard of this book prior to the film adaptation, and while the concept is somewhat disturbing, I was intrigued to see what would happen. Unfortunately, I ended up not enjoying it and did stop reading at 42%.

Part of the book is told from the perspective of McCandless, who I didn't like - the first time he saw Bella he supposedly fell instantly in love with her and wanted to marry her. He knew nothing about Bella except what Godwin had told him.

I felt sorry for Bella, and the circumstances of her creation.

The Victorian setting was interesting.

The book is told from several perspectives and with some very long letters interspersed between these. It was during one of these long letters that I began to skim read. Not invested and uninterested in what was happening, I decided to stop reading. I don't think the writing style helped, as I didn't find it engaging.

I'm disappointed that I didn't enjoy this, but it really bothered me the way Bella was treated and portrayed.

Overall, this was not an enjoyable read.