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,” the fictional story of William Shakespeare’s son who died at age 11, was an international best-seller. 

” also delves into history. O’Farrell was struck by Robert Browning’s poem, “

,” which itself was inspired by a painting of a young Italian woman who died in 1561, at the age of 16, just a year after she was married to the Duke of Ferrara. But did she die? Or was she poisoned?

“The Marriage Portrait” reminded us of Lauren Groff’s 2021 hit, “Matrix,” set in medieval France. So for this week’s deep track, we thought we’d bring you 

the Talking Volumes interview MPR News host Kerri Miller did with Groff on the stage of the Fitzgerald Theater last year

, where Groff describes the history, the art and the music that inspired her writing. 

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.

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This Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas will feature a conversation with Maggie O’Farrell, whose new book “The Marriage Portrait,” is set in 16th century Italy. That’s not unlike Lauren Groff’s 2021 hit, “Matrix,” which plays out in medieval France. So for this week’s deep cut, enjoy Groff talking with MPR News host Kerri Miller at last year’s Talking Volumes. 

From the archives: Lauren Groff discusses 'Matrix' at Talking Volumes

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