I enjoyed the majority of "Poor Things" by Alasdair Gray and I really hope that the upcoming film will clear up any unanswered questions I have. It is utterly bonkers and I enjoyed the fresh look at the Frankenstein-esque creations. I got a lot of the references - Godwin Bysshe Baxter - all pointing towards Mary Shelley. The narratives in the form of letters was hilarious but the last third turned serious and talked about Victoria McCandless's medical career. This was a massive achievement but felt out of character with the rest of the book.

Fun take on Victorian novels and the myth of Frankenstein, revisited as Bella Baxter, a young woman with a voracious sexual appetite and the brain of an infant. Thought-provoking with conflicting angles and POVs.

First published in 1992, Alasdair Gray's award winning witty, political, satirical, bonkers, fun and multilayered post-modern novel is republished with the release of the movie starring Emma Stone. Set in Glasgow in the Victorian era with all its hypocrasies, although it moves to other locations, it is a loose melodramatic reinterpretation of the gothic Frankenstein with more modern sensibilities. It's a story of larger than life, vibrant characters, socialism, scientific ambition, love and scandal, featuring Godwin Baxter, Archibald McCandless and the recreated drowned Bella, including notes by 'Alasdair Gray', a narrative that meanders in a number of unexpected directions. Accounts given are unreliable and questionable, with the independent, sexually adventurous and feminist Bella having her own particular ground breaking perspectives. I look forward to seeing how this incredible genre defying novel translates to the big screen. Many thanks to the publisher.

I struggled with this one unfortunately! I thought it would be something I’d enjoy, but the writing was disjointed and I struggled to concentrate on the plot or connect with the characters. Such a shame!