Matrix: A Novel

"Yes. This book reimagines the life of 12th century poet Marie de France, imagining her as an abbess in England. She’s a character of extraordinary will; she envisages this female-only utopia and sets about realising that dream. She’s a very charismatic, skilled leader who knows how to manipulate people. Sort of like Mary Stuart, in a way. I’m a huge fan of Lauren Groff. I also really enjoyed her new book, The Vaster Wilds . But I think Matrix really resonated with me because of its cloistered religious setting. I’m not religious but was a cathedral chorister when I was a child. From the age of 8 to 13 I spent almost every day within the walls of York Minster cathedral. I think religion and faith have always been fascinating to me, and that that experience impacted my outlook and interests. It certainly helped in being appreciative of how history might be living and breathing, all around you. Groff does it so cleverly. She never really weighs in on whether or not these divine visions are truthful experiences, or whether they are a means of manipulating the rest of the convent. Which I think is very clever, and is what contributes to what a brilliant character Marie de France is in this book, and how flawed and compelling she is."