BOOK REVIEW: THE MATRIARCH MATRIX

The book starts with Zara’s, Alexander’s and Jean Paul’s stories. Zara was a Kurdish freedom fighter, and despite her difficult past, she emerges as a strong character. The conversation between the three has the reader engrossed, as you don’t want to miss on anything.

In the next chapter, we are taken to the future April, 30, 20121, with Peter going to visit his grandpa at Angel’s Rest convalescent home. Through his interaction with Jenny at the front desk, we get to know that Peter loves his grandfather, as he has been making frequent visits to the facility. Dr. Fontaine, whom Peter goes to see express a friendly character. We see that she is comfortable with Peter calling her by her first name. As the two are speaking, the reader gets to understand Peter’s relationship with his grandfather. Dr. Fontaine has a soft spot for Peter. She is amused by Peter’s visits and mentions that his visits are probably prolonging the grandfather’s life. Throughout the chapter, the reader understands how charismatic Dr. Fontaine is. Peter’s grandfather prefers Dr. Fontaine to his personal physician, Dr. Elfante, as he feels that Dr. Fontaine knows how to make his days easy.

We are introduced to new characters throughout the book, some minor, but play important roles. The author has combined stories of different characters, entwining the past and future together, to make the story more interesting. I loved Zara’s story as she showed her strength even with the men. On one occasion, we are told that Orzu was raped. The inhuman act was done to her in front of her husband. This bit of the book goes on to show how the rape culture has been on, and how much suffering the victims of rape undergo. Zara was also raped. In a conversation with Sasha, she reminds Zara how she saved her from men who abducted her and raped her and her sisters. 

Being one of the major characters, Zara creates the themes of infidelity traditions and religion. The reader is told of how Sasha had Zara assigned the same units as his boyfriend, Zengo at school, as the two fornicated. Zara dated a man who was married, despite it being against her religion. The themes of infidelity and religion are introduced here.

The book ends in a different tone, and we see the interaction between Peter and his mother, Samantha. As you read on, you realize that the author ensured that different themes are covered. Technology is among the first themes to be introduced; Characters are using the MoxWrap, a form of technology worn around the arm, and operates like a mini computer. Religion and politics also come into play, as Saddam Hussein’s regime is mentioned. The regime tortured Zara’s families and villages, and they were forced to fight for their rights.

It is a good book for readers who like adventure stories as you will be fascinated by the stories. It also gives the reader a chance to imagine the future as most of the plot is based in the future. I would recommend it to adults and teenagers who love adventure.