Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
Matrix opens with exile and rejection. Born from a long line of female warriors and crusaders but deemed too coarse for courtly life, Marie de France is cast out of the royal court and sent to Angleterre to become prioress of a failing abbey. What initially feels like punishment soon becomes opportunity, as Marie begins to reshape the convent into something radical. From the outset, the novel signals that this is not a traditional historical story, but a reimagining of power, faith, and female autonomy.

✅ What I Liked:
The strength of this book lies in its voice. Groff’s prose is commanding and immersive, pulling the reader deep into Marie’s inner world. The transformation of the abbey into a female utopia is both brutal and beautiful, grounded in hard labour, discipline, and vision rather than idealism. Marie herself is complex, often harsh, deeply flawed, and utterly compelling. I also loved how the novel reframes medieval womanhood, presenting women not as passive figures but as builders, leaders, and architects of their own survival.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
This is a dense and demanding read. The pacing is slow and introspective, with long stretches focused on internal thought rather than action or dialogue. If you prefer plot driven historical fiction or character interaction, this may feel distant or heavy at times. It is a book that requires patience and attention.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
Matrix is perfect for readers who enjoy literary historical fiction with big ideas. If you are drawn to stories about women creating alternative systems of power, challenging patriarchal structures, and redefining faith and leadership, this book offers something bold and memorable.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Matrix feels like a myth carved out of history rather than a straightforward retelling. It is fierce, strange, and quietly revolutionary, asking what might happen if women were given the space to rule, create, and endure on their own terms. It is not always comfortable, but it is deeply rewarding.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

Final Rating ★★★★- Fierce, immersive, and unapologetically female