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A review by elanilanella
Matrix: A Novel by Lauren Groff
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This isn't the sort of book I would normally read. I came for the novelty of reading a book about queer nuns, and found myself increasingly interested in the runnings of the abbey and Marie's relationship to her faith.
I found that I had to really pay attention while reading this book, because each sentence was so gorgeously and meticulously crafted. The writing was different than anything I've ever read. I loved the way Groff would show and not tell, and I adored how the dialogue was done. Groff really captured the duality of the wealth and opulence and holiness of characters at the time alongside much dirt and gore, and using words like 'c*nt', 'p*ss' and 'sh*t'.
The only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is because there were times I had to reread a sentence over a few times before I understood it, and there was so much jargon I didn't understand (though, I also felt this added to the feeling of it being a Medieval book). Sometimes something really important would be hidden in a very long sentence filled with other things so that if your brain wasn't turned on you might miss it. When I didn't miss it however, I adored it.
I found that I had to really pay attention while reading this book, because each sentence was so gorgeously and meticulously crafted. The writing was different than anything I've ever read. I loved the way Groff would show and not tell, and I adored how the dialogue was done. Groff really captured the duality of the wealth and opulence and holiness of characters at the time alongside much dirt and gore, and using words like 'c*nt', 'p*ss' and 'sh*t'.
The only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is because there were times I had to reread a sentence over a few times before I understood it, and there was so much jargon I didn't understand (though, I also felt this added to the feeling of it being a Medieval book). Sometimes something really important would be hidden in a very long sentence filled with other things so that if your brain wasn't turned on you might miss it. When I didn't miss it however, I adored it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Body horror, and Rape
Minor: Rape