A review by curiouser_books
Poor Things by Alasdair Gray

lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I can't wait to watch the movie.

Actual stars: 3

Format: audio, Libby

What I liked: The premise of this story is delightful. The resetting of Shelly's Frankenstein in a "modern" time. Honestly, I loved Bella Baxter, the way she interacted with the men around her and the world at large. However ...

What I didn't like: I don't like how the men acted toward Bella Baxter and how they defined her. If this book was written by a woman I think the whole story would have been more enjoyable. I think a female author would have made Bella seem less like a doll or a possession, and more like a person navigating life the way they wanted to. But alas, as a man wrote this it reads like Bella is a plaything, to her original husband, to Godwin, and to all the other men she encounters. Even in the final scenes as everything comes together, she is merely a possession.

Maybe this is an allegory to the fact that she's "made", but I don't feel like the story is that deep. The themes are really heavy-handed and not well-written. There is a reason people weren't clamoring to read this before the movie came out.

Who I'm recommending this to: Not sure, I didn't order any for the store, so I probably don't have to worry about it. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie and drawing some comparisons (here is to hoping the movie is better).
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