The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 馃槍
quillreads's review against another edition
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鈥檚 character arc is wonderfully executed, and I appreciated the large cast of supporting characters as well.
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My favorite part of Matrix, however, is its thematic exploration of religion, feminism, ambition, power, sapphic love, and humanity鈥檚 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.
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The Run-Down:聽
You will probably like Matrix if:
路聽 聽 聽 You go into the book with an open mind
路聽 聽 聽 You are someone who is interested in themes of religion and queerness
路聽 聽 聽 You enjoy poetic writing styles
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You might not like Matrix if:
路聽 聽 聽 You dislike flowery writing and fluid plot structure
路聽 聽 聽 You prefer exciting plots and clear explanations for events
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A Similar Book:聽
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladsone. Similarities between these books include:
路聽 聽 聽 Beautiful, lyrical, intelligent prose
路聽 聽 聽 Friend/enemy relationship between two strong women from different worlds
路聽 聽 聽 Themes of feminism, queerness and humanity鈥檚 relation to the natural world
Graphic: Animal death, Cancer, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, and Sexism
Moderate: Dementia, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Physical abuse, Blood, Ableism, Body horror, Child abuse, Pregnancy, Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, and Classism
Minor: Excrement, Rape, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexual content, Animal cruelty, Fire/Fire injury, Homophobia, Infidelity, Death of parent, Violence, War, Torture, and Toxic friendship
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