36 pages • 1 hour read
Lauren GroffMatrix
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Matrix by Lauren Groff follows Marie de France, an illegitimate noblewoman and poet, as she is sent by Eleanor of Aquitaine to be the prioress of a struggling abbey. Initially homesick and resented, Marie gradually transforms the abbey through her administrative skills, divine visions, and unconventional leadership. As she defies church norms, she gains respect and faces challenges from both within and outside the abbey. The novel contains themes of sexual intimacy and terminal illness.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Lauren Groff's Matrix has been praised for its lyrical prose and richly detailed historical setting, transporting readers to a medieval convent. The protagonist's complexity and growth are notable strengths. However, some critics feel the narrative's pace can be slow and the plot meandering. Overall, it's seen as a compelling and ambitious work that may appeal more to fans of literary fiction.
Who Should Read Matrix?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong, complex female protagonists will find Matrix by Lauren Groff captivating. Similar to Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel or The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, it appeals to those who appreciate rich, evocative storytelling set in the past, highlighting resilience and leadership.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Historical Fiction
LGBTQ
Gender / Feminism
Medieval Literature / Middle Ages
Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality
Identity: Sexuality
Identity: Gender