Author: Alasdair Gray
Publisher: #книголав
Number of Pages: 400
Cover: Hardcover
Year of Publication: 2025
Poor Things by Alasdair Gray is a brilliant postmodern adventure set in an imagined version of 19th-century Scotland. At the center are Dr. Godwin Baxter and his “creation” — Bella Baxter, a young woman with the brain of an infant. The story unfolds as a blend of grotesque satire, social critique, and deep psychological exploration.
A Gripping Plot
If Victor Frankenstein lived in the future, he might resemble Godwin Baxter. He creates Bella with a woman’s body and an infant’s brain — yet she soon develops intelligence, a fierce will, and a yearning for freedom. This is a tale of identity, desire, sexuality, and rebellion against societal norms.
Relevance and Popularity
Poor Things became a major bestseller in 2023–2024 following the release of the film adaptation by Yorgos Lanthimos. Interest in Bella’s story surged, and by 2025, the novel remains one of the most talked-about literary works, especially thanks to its critically acclaimed screen version.
A Style That Stirs Discussion
Alasdair Gray masterfully mixes fantasy, satire, cultural commentary, and literary irony. He intentionally blurs the line between truth and fiction, letting readers decide for themselves what’s real and what’s invention. Is Bella truly a creation? Or perhaps a fabrication by Dr. Archibald McCandless?
Who Will Enjoy It
This book will intrigue fans of postmodernism, psychological drama, satirical writing, and literary experimentation. If you love literature that provokes reflection — Poor Things is for you.
A deep allegory of society and medicine
A cultural and political portrait of 19th-century Scotland
Philosophical exploration of human nature
Female emancipation at the heart of the plot
We recommend this novel to anyone ready to dive into Alasdair Gray’s surreal worldbuilding.
