Gothic Novels: Influences & inspiration

2019-07-16

Alasdair talks about some of the work that influenced his Gothic novel Poor Things - from Thomas Love Peacock's Nightmare Abbey to Mel Brook’s film Young Frankenstein - and explains why he feels the opening of this book may be his best. You'll hear that I incorrectly credit Gene Wilder as the director of Young Frankenstein in the podcast and Alasdair rightly sounds rather dubious! I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend mo...

Alasdair talks about some of the work that influenced his Gothic novel Poor Things - from Thomas Love Peacock's Nightmare Abbey to Mel Brook’s film Young Frankenstein - and explains why he feels the opening of this book may be his best.

You'll hear that I incorrectly credit Gene Wilder as the director of Young Frankenstein in the podcast and Alasdair rightly sounds rather dubious!

I made these recordings in what turned out to be the last year of my uncle's life - so I could spend more time with him and share with you the very great pleasure of sitting quietly at home with Alasdair listening to him read and talk about books.

You can find out more about the story behind Alasdair Gray rereads in A Gray Space a creative space inspired by Alasdair Gray.

I couldn't have made these podcasts without the help of my family and friends:
Alasdair Gray
David Thomas - technical advice and support
Berniya Hamie – closing piano
Matthew Robinson – rereads logos

You can follow @alasdairgrayrereads on Instagram for news, pictures and previews of upcoming episodes. And if you have any questions or thoughts to share I’d love to hear them – so please do leave a comment.

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