Set in the 12th Century, Matrix tells of Marie de France, a half-sibling to royalty who is not attractive enough to remain in court and is instead sent to an impoverished abbey to be a nun. Here, over decades, she turns the fortunes of the community, has visions and takes actions based on those visions.
Apparently, this story is based on a real poet, which is interesting. This book has been highly acclaimed, and I loved Groff’s previous novel, Fates and Furies, but this book did not do it for me. I found reading it a chore, yet in retelling the broad strokes to a friend, it’s clearly a very interesting and engaging story. I can’t see myself raving about this to others or recommending it, but I will understand why others might like it more than I did.
ireckonthat 