Award-winning author Lauren Groff’s sixth novel “Matrix,” was released this month to rave reviews, including earning four stars from USA Today and a National Book Award nomination from The National Book Foundation.
Groff
USA Today critic Steph Cha called the book “a relentless exhibition of Groff’s freakish talent,” and New York Times critic Kathryn Harrison wrote “it provides Groff a literary springboard into a past whose features offer a mirror to our own time.”
“Matrix” is a historical fiction novel based on Marie de France, the first French female poet best known for her collection of 12 narrative poems titled “The Lais of Marie de France” written during the 12th century.
As the back cover copy explains, “Marie, born the last in a long line of women warriors and crusaders, is determined to chart a bold new course for the women she now leads and protects. But in a world that is shifting and corroding in frightening ways, one that can never reconcile itself with her existence, will the sheer force of Marie’s vision be bulwark enough?”
We are beginning the process of bedding down most of our gardens for the winter. I am reminded of what Robert Frost so sagely stated in his poem “After Apple-Picking,” that there comes a time when the harvest we so looked forward to has run its course and a new desire has arisen: to step aside, rest up a bit, and move on to other tasks — or simply do little or nothing for a while.
Inactivity has its limitations, too. As I write, I am looking at the stack of “to be read” books on the shelf beside my reading chair in my study. One title sticks out: Hannah Arendt’s classic “The Origins of Totalitarianism.”
DUCK DERBY – Noon-3 p.m. Family Fun Day with duck racing, free pony rides, and a surprise princess guest. Neahwa Park, Oneonta. Info, call (607)432-0001 or visit www.facebook.com/FamilyRN/
TRAIL HIKE – 9-11 a.m. Hike the Blue Trail of the Basswood Pond State forest with OCCA program director Jeff O’Handley. Meet in the parking area of the park. Basswood Pond State Forest, 500 Conservation Rd., Burlington. Info, occainfo.org/calendar/blue-trail-basswood/
SPRING FEST – 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Features music and events including the Ross Park Zoomobile and a Fishing Derby by Trout Unlimited. Copes Corner Park, on Rte. 51 between Gilbertsville and Mt. Upton. Info, www.townofbutternuts.org/copes-corners-park/
FLOWER SHOW – 5-7 p.m. Opening reception of The Cherry Valley Flower Show on display to June 4. The Cherry Branch Gallery, 25 Main St., Cherry Valley. Info, call (607)264-9530 or email info@cherrybranchgallery.com or visit cherrybranchgallery.com
CAKEWALK – 5-8 p.m. Enter for a chance to win a cake and support the Greater Oneonta Historical Society. Kay Jewelers, Southside Mall, Oneonta.. Info, www.oneontahistory.org or call (607)432-0960
ART EXHIBIT RECEPTION – 5-8 p.m. Opening reception for exhibits: “Maternal Matters,” by Carrie Mae Smith & Suzanne Schireson; “Painted Portraits,” by Nancy Gossett; and “Stitching The Seasons,” by Mayumi Sarai. Exhibit showing thru May 21. Community Arts Network of Oneonta. Info, www.canoneonta.org/event/exhibition-smith-schireson-gossett-sarai/?instance_id=761
GRILLED CHEESE DINNER – 5-8 p.m. Enjoy an evening of comfort food utilizing local cheeses prepared by local chefs. Also with 4 seasonal soups, beer, wine, cider, dessert, and live music. Benefits Cooperstown Farmers Market. Tickets adult $25, Child $15. under 6 free.Cooperstown Farmers market, 101 Main St. in Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. Info, www.otsego2000.org
RECEPTION – 1-3 p.m. Celebrating the Oneonta Trolley Line exhibit. Free and open to the public. Greater Oneonta Historical Society, 183 Main St., Oneonta. Info, www.oneontahistory.org/upcomingevents.htm#More
WINTER CONCERT – 3-5 p.m. The Little Delaware Youth Ensemble perform under the direction of Uli Speth. Anderson Theater, Hartwick College, Oneonta. Info, www.ldye.org
DOG COMPETITION – 10:30 a.m. Check out the Fido Fest Dog show where dogs and their owners compete for titles in categories like best trick, waggiest tail, and best mirror image. Part of the Winter Carnival Festivities. Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. Info, susquehannaanimalshelter.org/category/events/
WINTERFEST – 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Stay warm and have fun with outdoor activities like sledding, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing,campfires and more. Cost, free. Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Road, Laurens. Info, www.cabinfeverwinterfest.com
CABIN FEVER FILM SERIES – 6:30 p.m. “The Jungle Book” (1967). Refreshments available with proceeds benefiting Susquehanna animal Shelter. Clark Sports Center, 124 Cty. Hwy. 52, Cooperstown. Info, baseballhall.org/events/cabin-fever-2017
MURAL PAINTING – 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Community event to create murals for Auditorium of the Fenimore Art Musuem. Event is free and open to the public. Fenimore Art Musuem, 5798 NY-80, Cooperstown. Info, www.fenimoreartmuseum.org
Book lovers were lined up outside Oneonta’s The Green Toad Book Store this morning awaiting the opening of the annual book swap, which continues to grow into a much-anticipated event. On the left, Father Kenneth Hunter, pastor, St. James Episcopal Church, and his son Greg browse hardcovers for summer reads. (Ian Austin/allotsego.com)
Groff’s new novel ‘Matrix’ inspired by Marie de France
