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Roxane's Reviews > Matrix
Matrix
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This is pretty exceptional. A novel about a 12th century abbey and the nun who leads it into prosperity after being banished there is not a story I would have thought I might enjoy. But I did. This is gloriously written. The level of detail of 12th century life is remarkable. Marie, the heart of this novel, is fierce and formidable. The research that made this novel possible is impressive. The ending falters as if it didn’t quite know where to end. There were a couple of things that were hard to visualize. You’ll know what I mean when you get there. Really enjoyed this, though. Also I am quite glad I wasn’t a woman in the 12th century. No thanks.
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
June 20, 2021
– Shelved as:
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June 20, 2021
– Shelved
June 20, 2021
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Finished Reading
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Sarah-Jane
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Jun 20, 2021 06:07PM
Ooooh interesting, I loved Fates and Furies, I get that this will be very different but Groff is clearly a fantastic writer. That TBR pile just keeps growing doesn't it?
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I didn’t know she had a new one out! Adding to the list.
She is an excellent writer, one of my favorite authors
This reminds me of The Pillars of the Earth, set in the same era. I enjoyed that and didn't expect to either.
@libscigrl Came here to say almost this. Pillars of the Earth was so fascinating! It was such a tome, though, that when I was done I moved on instead of reading any more in the series. (I like the idea of reading about that era from a woman’s perspective even more.)
Great review! Thanks 😊
Amen! “Gloriously written” indeed! Thanks Roxane!
Ditto regarding Roxane’s review
What a powerful view of a woman given half a chance to build community & a rich earthly life on a pathway of love. Marie finds ways to sidestep an unkind world & find her mission & strength while help other women & children. It wasn’t an easy life but whose was in the 1100s? There are lessons and paths we could use now. It felt very timely.
I just finished Matrix and I loved it. Fascinating historical details, vivid characterizations, and a remarkable protagonist made this a book that will engage you intellectually and emotionally while the gorgeous language will thrill you as the hours slip away. The novel tells the story of Marie,an unattractive, awkward, “giantess” of a girl —albeit one possessing some noble blood — who is presumed to have no chance of becoming a wife. She is therefore sent to a struggling, impoverished convent to become the prioress for a group of sick and starving nuns. How this “inconvenient woman” finds her purpose and uses her intellect, her conscience, and her physical strength to become a leader of her community- makes this a tale For the 11th and 12th centuries, and also for our 21st century .
Don’t miss this book
Your book reviews are *almost* as good as your books. Thanks for both!
Have to agree with you on that ending!
Agreed. I wanted it to end where Marie did. Still, I thought the novel was outstanding. And for what I'd call a very Catholic novel to have such broad appeal is impressive.
I would have missed this gem were it not for a trusted reader-friend’s recommendation. I’m a third of the way through. It’s magnificent. Everything said in the review above. The voice, the voice!! It’s hallucinatory, in the way of Hilary Mandel.
Such a beautifully told story!
