NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

SHORTLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD 2021

‘Lush, gripping and ferocious, MATRIX is animated with sensual detail on every page.’ – MADELINE MILLER

‘A thrillingly vivid, adventurous story about women and power that will blow readers’ minds. Left me gasping.’ – EMMA DONOGHUE

We’ve been reading Matrix by Lauren Groff. Sharon, Kiara, and Luka all loved this historical fiction novel from the bestselling author of Fates and Furies. Here’s what Luka had to say about it:

“Matrix was an extraordinary surprise. It didn’t occur to me that the protagonist—hardy, ungainly, wild Marie—was a re-imagining of the 12^th-century poet, Marie de France. Don’t be dissuaded, though, as I often am when it comes to historical fiction. Matrix feels contemporary, entirely original.

Seventeen-year-old Marie is thrown to the dogs one winter night, expelled from the royal court to become prioress of an impoverished abbey. Born last of a long line of women warriors and crusaders, Marie carves a new destiny, determined to bring her sisters and her abbey out of darkness, into power.

Told with bold, poetic prose, Matrix is a visionary delight of a novel, exploring faith, sexuality, divinity, and powerful love. Reading it made me want to travel (on horseback, of course) through cold, distant French moors… or become a 12^th-century nun.” – Luka