Matrix

At seventeen, Marie must take charge of a failing English abbey. Born outside marriage, she has no safe place at court. She finds hunger and illness when she reaches the abbey. As abbess, she makes it a safe home that thrives. Yet its success shocks people and draws their notice.

Lauren Groff’s historical novel imagines the life of Marie de France. The tale takes place in the twelfth century. It suits readers drawn to women’s lives, faith, and power. Marie will gain fame for her lais, a form of poetry. Her sharp mind helps her rule the abbey. So does her skill at running estates. Visions of the Virgin Mary guide her plans. She seeks purpose for herself and the nuns in her care. But does she serve others or seek her own power? Her drive raises that doubt. The story looks at desire, control, and violence. It also explores women’s power to create.

An excerpt shows Marie fighting a life of faith she does not want. She doubts beliefs that rank women below men. Her mother dies when Marie is twelve, leaving her alone. She hides the loss to keep her claim to the estate. Later, Queen Eleanor rules out the marriage Marie hopes for. Marie’s size and manners set her apart at court. So does her sword practice. Yet she can keep accounts and write in four languages.

Brindusa Cotea translated this edition. Groff was born in 1978. She studied fiction at Wisconsin–Madison. She has written four novels and two story collections. She has won The Story Prize and the ABA Indies Choice Award. She has also won the Grand Prix de l’Héroïne Madame Figaro. She has three National Book Award for Fiction nominations. She also has two Kirkus Prize nominations. Her books have reached readers in more than thirty languages. She lives in Gainesville, Florida, with her husband and two children.