Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - Matrix

Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

Matrix by Lauren Groff

27 reviews

thecriticalreader's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Review:

Admittedly, it took me nearly 200 pages to really start to get used to Matrix by Lauren Groff and its poetic, fluid, somewhat stream-of-consciousness writing style as well as its unique storyline that often produces more questions than answers. Even then, it was not until the end of the story that I fully appreciated the book for what it is. At the heart of the story is the character of Marie, an admirable but flawed nun whose ambition leads her to transform a starving, poor abbey into a magnificent, self-sustaining wealthy fortress. Marie’s character arc is wonderfully executed, and I appreciated the large cast of supporting characters as well.

My favorite part of Matrix, however, is its thematic exploration of religion, feminism, ambition, power, sapphic love, and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. This is the sort of book that I could read many times over and glean new meaning each time; it is the type of book that begs to be analyzed in a literature class. Groff trusts in the intelligence of her readers and never oversimplifies or hits the reader over the head in order to make her point.

The Run-Down:

You will probably like Matrix if:

· You go into the book with an open mind

· You are someone who is interested in themes of religion and queerness

· You enjoy poetic writing styles

You might not like Matrix if:

· You dislike flowery writing and fluid plot structure

· You prefer exciting plots and clear explanations for events

A Similar Book:

This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladsone. Similarities between these books include:

· Beautiful, lyrical, intelligent prose

· Friend/enemy relationship between two strong women from different worlds

· Themes of feminism, queerness and humanity’s relation to the natural world

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mothie_girlie's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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bookedbymadeline's review against another edition

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challenging relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I don’t usually like books that don’t use quotation marks because it confuses me and I end up rereading sentences. The writing and prose was beautiful; I have many passages marked!

It could be a bit slow for my liking and the second half was harder to get through. I liked the references to Melusine, who I’ve heard about prior when reading other books about the war of the roses!

I thought the ending was really well done. Overall an enjoyable read that I devoured in three days despite being slow for my taste! I had read one of Geoff’s works earlier in the year and hated it so I’m happy I gave her a second chance. I’m curious now to see how I like her other works. Highly recommend if you like stories about powerful women challenging that status quo (especially in the world of religion)!

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atamano's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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savvylit's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

On the surface, a book about a 12th-century abbey may not sound particularly riveting. Yet, in creating this fictional biography of Marie, Groff conjures a very compelling and loveable protagonist. Without spoiling too much, Marie is possibly the most powerful female heroine in English literature. Her wit and her dedication to her sisters is both unmatched and admirable.

It is hard to put into words why Matrix was such a joy to read. This book contains so much and does it all so well. Gorgeous prose, religious fervor, heartbreak, revenge, lesbian sex, labyrinths, boundless female power, divine visions, sisterly solidarity, and passionate love.

If you like historical fiction or strong female heroines (or both!), I implore you to read Matrix.

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carbs666's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I don't know what it is about books that don't use quotation marks to indicate speech but I'm such a slut for them. Anyways, I loved this book.

The way Groff effortlessly explores the mystical, sacred lives of characters bound to their faith while simultaneously getting into the mud and shit and darkness and weirdness of being a human body on this earth is really provoking. There are so many beautiful quiet moments of contemplation and description in this book about a woman who knows she is destined for greatness and therefore makes greatness happen, against all odds and all opponents. I also liked how Groff played with the prophetess element of the book by giving Marie holy yet heretical visions of the future, the future in which we now live, and imbued a sense of foreboding in the descriptions of the impact of the nuns' ambitions on their natural world. This book is rich in symbolism that isn't allowed to linger in the subtext - both Groff and Marie have to pick it up and turn it about in their hands, so by the end of the book the consequences are very clear.

I will echo what some other reviews have said, which is basically that there isn't much believable external conflict for Marie to face so the book can feel a bit repetitive. But overall, this book blazes with holy and profane love, and its gay as hell.

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