Poor Things [Movie Tie-in]: A Novel Paperback – October 3, 2023

Is it science fiction? Is it a medical mystery? Is it a romantic comedy? Is it a commentary on the roles of men and women in Victorian England? Is it a coming- of -age story? Yes, it is! And a psychological thriller. And overall, it is the story of an absolutely remarkable woman and the two men who loved her unconditionally.I grew to love her, too. She is brave; uninhibited; compassionate; trusting, maybe naïve; and so very real.The author is clever and forthright, thoughtful and direct. I don’t want to forget him and look forward to more writing from Alisdair Gray.I highly recommend Poor Things: A Novel.PS. The ending is suspenseful and highly satisfying.

It took me a couple months to read this and then around 4 days to read it again. I found it entertaining, but the historical references are not my forte, so I'm pretty sure that the entire scope is lost for me. Oddly, when reading the kindle version, it "ends" and the "star rating" box pops up, but there is still much more to read? It was overall a strange reading experience, but rather enjoyable nonetheless. A 3rd, closer read through awhile from now is probably going to happen.I'm debating whether or not to watch the film adaptation. 🤔

Alasdair Gray's "Poor Things" is a captivating and inventive novel that blends elements of Victorian literature with modern storytelling techniques. Set in Glasgow during the late 19th century, the novel unfolds through a series of narratives and documents that piece together the life of Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life through the unconventional experiments of Dr. Archibald McCandless.Gray's writing is richly imaginative and playful, offering a unique twist on the classic Frankenstein tale. The characters, particularly Bella and McCandless, are intricately developed with complexities that challenge conventional morality and explore themes of identity, power, and autonomy.What sets "Poor Things" apart is Gray's masterful blend of genres and his ability to seamlessly weave together historical context with elements of fantasy and satire. The novel is both a social commentary on Victorian society and a compelling exploration of human ambition and the consequences of playing god.Throughout the narrative, Gray's prose is witty, lyrical, and thought-provoking, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. "Poor Things" is not only a testament to Gray's literary prowess but also a testament to his ability to create a world that is both familiar and fantastical, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who ventures into its pages.

This book is pastiche at its finest. It is a critical and appreciative collage of Victorian novels, ideas, politics, and sentiments. Set primarily in Glasgow, there are important critiques of England as well as deep immersion in the period. It’s also a hoot, especially if you’re familiar with the conventions being mocked. It’s baffling, (un)scientific, feminist (and also critical of feminism), and the plot and characters are bonkers, much more archetypical than realistic.Imagine Frankenstein but as a satire with even more narrators, set in Scotland, featuring a nymphomaniac.Because of the frame narrative, illustrations, and “author’s” notes, I would NOT recommend the Kindle version. I hate how it jumps around if you click on the wrong spot to zoom in or turn the page. There were also quite a few typos in this edition. I play to buy a hard copy since I think it will provide a different (and better) reading experience.

Poor Things is an inventive reconstruction of the Victorian novel. It modernizes it by discussing health matters and physicians, real and fictional, which captures the most advanced knowledge of the time; incorporating political and social issues without melodrama; and by discussing sexual relationships without being graphic or excessive. While it harbors elements of each of their styles, this book fills a void in the works of Trollope, Dickens, M. Shelley, Austen and Conan-Doyle. Another writer of the time, George Eliot wrote “Imagination is a licensed trespasser: it has no fear of dogs, but may climb over walls and peep in at windows with impunity.” The reader is swept up in just such a caper in this story which proves diverting and delivers an insightful yet comic glimpse of the past.

It’s rare that I recommend seeing a movie before reading the novel, but this is one of those times.My girlfriend and I saw “Poor Things” the day the movie opened in Tucson. We both loved it and discussed it afterward. I ordered the book immediately after and finished it yesterday.I could not put it down. The story of Bella Baxter (Victoria) was captivating and the book went into much more depth of not only her character, but also Godwin, McCandless, Wedderburn, Colonel Blessington, and, to a lesser extent, others. Having immensely enjoyed the movie, I could visualize the events in the story as they unfolded and was able to appreciate more of what didn’t make the film.The author used his characters and situations to comment on a variety of ills in the world. Often, these observations were witty and sarcastic. The chapters covering Wedderburn’s and Belle’s letters, and Mr. Astley’s “bitter wisdom” were my favorites. Victoria’s “A Letter to Posterity,” which closes the novel, was unlike anything I’ve ever read. If you do read the book (assuming you regarded the movie as a minor masterpiece), you’ll find that the conclusions differ in each. I found both satisfying.I did not know of Mr. Alasdair Gray prior and was saddened to learn he passed away in 2019. The website Literary Hub notes that “people who see and love the film this winter will discover that Gray’s book offers more rewards than the ones that are translatable to the screen.” I heartily agree.To quote Ms. Emma Stone (who played Bella Baxter): “The shortform explanation of that story is pretty wackadoo.” Yes, I imagine it would be.