Matrix

“She rides out of the forest alone. Seventeen years old, in the cold March drizzle, Marie who comes from France.”

So begins Groff’s dreamy, atmospheric novel imagining the life of Marie de France, 12th century poet. On fire with unrequited love for Eleanor of Aquitaine, Marie rises to the level of abbess and is animated by glorious visions for the women of her abbey. Keeping them safe and guiding them to thrive is an enormous responsibility and Marie draws on all her power to shepherd her flock.

Every sentence, every moment feels so deliberate, so sacred. What does 12th century England do with female ambition? In this tightly contained narrative, Groff’s imagination explodes to create a dazzling exploration of power, faith, and belief.

I loved this so much. I am in awe of Groff’s talent, to write and to dream of big stories like this.