Reading is always an adventure, one I love in part because I learn more about myself with each book. In this novel, I learned that I don’t love to read about unlikeable characters or religious abuses. Both are found in Matrix, a novel about a nun living in an abbey in the 12th century. The novel follows the life of Marie, her pride, sexual sin, and visions. 

Lauren Groff has a wild imagination. Her writing is rich and descriptive, on both an external and internal level. She definitely makes you think and have strong emotional reactions. I respect her abilities and will continue to read her work. 

I almost put this novel down several times, forcing myself to continue. Groff delivers what she promises but in a way I did not expect. I found the story profane and heretical. Since this is based on a real person, I am unsure how much is truth and how much is Groff’s imagination. Read if you wish, but not based on my recommendation.