W.F. Howes, an RBmedia international audio brand, will publish the audiobook for Alasdair Gray’s novel Poor Things ahead of the release of its big screen adaptation, directed by three-time Academy Award nominee Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Margaret Qualley, and Mark Ruffalo.
 
Originally published in print in 1992, Poor Things follows the story of scientist Godwin Baxter as he realises his dream to create the perfect companion when he discovers the drowned body of Bella, whom he brings back to life in a Frankenstiein-esque feat. But his dream is thwarted by Dr. Archibald McCandless’ jealous love for Baxter’s creation.
 
At the time it was published, Gray’s surrealist fantasy was lauded by critics and won the Whitbread Award and Guardian Fiction Prize.
 
The audiobook, which will be published this year to coincide with the film’s first screening at the Venice International Film Festival, will be performed by Kathryn Drysdale (Bridgerton, The Windsors, and Vanity Fair) and Scottish actor Russ Bain (Lift, Shetland, and Creature Commandos).
 
The world audio rights were acquired from RCW Literary Agency and the Alasdair Gray Estate by Habiba Sacranie, Senior Acquisitions Editor at W.F. Howes. Sacranie said: “Alasdair Gray is one of Scotland’s most celebrated authors and, when he sadly passed away in 2019, he left behind a tremendous literary legacy. Poor Things is certainly one of his most iconic and acclaimed works, and it comes as no surprise that Hollywood is giving it such a star-studded treatment. We are delighted to be paying our own tribute to Alasdair’s life and career with this audiobook and can’t wait to get in the studio with Kathryn and Russ to bring it to life.”