Alasdair Gray's Poor Things is a literary marvel that effortlessly blends surrealist playfulness with a profound commentary on society and human nature. The novel is a delightful pastiche on Victorian fiction and culture, yet it challenges even contemporary readers with its complex narrative and rich thematic layers.
At its core, Poor Things is a postmodern revision of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. However, instead of a grotesque monster, we are introduced to Bella Baxter—a beautiful young woman resurrected with the brain of an infant – her own unborn child, cut from her dead body. This premise alone sets the stage for a narrative that is anything but straightforward. The book purports to be the 1909 memoir of Dr. Archibald McCandless, salvaged and edited by Gray, only to conclude with an afterword that turns much of the plot on its head.
Bella Baxter, also known as Victoria McCandless, is resurrected by the ambitious scientist Godwin Baxter, who seeks to create for himself the perfect companion. He achieves the impossible, his dream of a relationship, however, is thwarted by McCandless's jealous love for Bella. The tale that unfolds is a hilarious and scandalous adventure through Europe and literature.
Gray masterfully blends unreliable narrators, found documents, and metafiction. The novel features two conflicting accounts of Bella's life: the first is McCandless's (fictional?) autobiography, and the second is a corrective letter from Bella herself, denouncing McCandless's account as a complete fabrication. This duality creates a fascinating tension, leaving readers to ponder the nature of truth and storytelling.
Poor Things is a whimsical and lively novel, a hilarious political allegory, and a thought-provoking duel between the desires of men and the independence of women. Gray has created a work of art that is both a literary delight and a profound commentary on society. For anyone who appreciates a blend of humour, satire, and social exploration, Poor Things is an absolute must-read.
Published by Bloomsbury, 2002
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