When did you last have a long-delayed reaction to a book you read? For the purposes of this post, consider long-delayed meaning more than a few months.
I finished Matrix - Lauren Groff's latest novel - in mid-December of 2021. Muscular prose, compelling main character, intriguing story. But my initial reaction, one that changed little over the ensuing months, was lukewarm. I kept waiting for something to unlock my apathy and perhaps help me better articulate what felt missing to me.
Fast forward to a few days back when I overheard part of a conversation two strangers we're having about a book both of them loved. "That character reminded me so much of myself!" " I could really relate to what those people were experiencing." "I loved the familiar setting and the contemporary outlook."
I retrieved my notes and re-read my book journal entry on Matrix - ambivalence galore. Then I reflected on that overheard conversation, suddenly realizing how narrow my reading had been. What I'd been missing while I was reading - and for months after finishing Groff's well-crafted novel - was empathy. How does a straight old man in the modern age put himself in the shoes of a young gay woman from the 12th century who is banished to an abbey, spending her entire life devoted to improving the lives of her sister nuns? And how can I better retain this lesson the next time I feel distanced from a novel far removed from my life experience?
This novel sounds intriguing — never read any Lauren Groff. Would you recommend starting with Matrix? Re empathy — books give me a great chance to practice that skill in situations different from my own…
ReplyDeleteUnknown; Thanks for the comment. Recommending a book to someone unknown to me is a tricky enterprise, especially in this case since Groff is such a modern writer. Her sensibilities are 21st century feminist, full bore. That said, as a start I'd be more inclined to recommend "Fates & Furies" vs. "Matrix", although I've read just those two Groff novels. (She also has quite a reputation as a short story writer). "Fates ..." is not a casual read - it is profane and can be challenging. But it blew me away. I wrote a post dedicated to it called "21st Century Couples" if you want to read that first. Use the search feature on the top left of the home page of my blog - see the magnifying glass? If you end up reading either Groff novel, I'd welcome knowing how either or both land with you. Thanks for asking my opinion - made my morning.
DeleteI too felt a little ambivalent about Matrix. We have our book club discussion next week, which i will attend with an open mind!
ReplyDeleteMarisa; Good to see a comment from you. I'm curious to hear how your book club feels about "Matrix". Let's chat after your meeting.
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