‘Poor Things’ by Alasdair Gray

She also said the wicked people needed love as much as good people and were much better at it.

‘Poor Things’ by Alasdair Gray has been described as a feminist retelling of Frankenstein—and it is! Set in the 19th century, the postmodern story follows Bella Baxter and the two men who played a significant role in her 20s: Godwin Baxter and Archibald McCandless. First, Archibald tells the story as an autobiographical account, which is then countered by a letter to her descendants from Bella.

Godwin Baxter, a scientific genius, is called in to examine the body of a pregnant woman who drowned herself. In a manner reminiscent of Frankenstein, he rescues her and builds the perfect woman to meet his desires. Unfortunately for him, she falls in love with his good friend, Archibald.

Centuries later, Bella Baxter, now going by Victoria McCandless, calls her husband’s autobiography a lie and paints a different picture. According to her, Godwin saved her and Archibald is a weak man and husband.

This book was way better than I had expected!

CW: suicide, domestic abuse, power imbalance, sexism & objectification