The Matriarch Matrix

Preface

PrefaceIn 1994, the world’s oldest temple, dating back to the end of the last ice age, was discovered in Turkey. Why would a hundred or more tribal hunter-gatherers build a site of religious worship? What of their words have passed into our times?

In 2014, the Daesh, also known as ISIL, overran the lands of the Ezidis in Sinjar, Northwest Iraq. They killed many thousands. They took thousands of women and girls as s*x slaves, many sold in markets. Today, as many as three thousand are still unaccounted for.

In 2022, the story of The Matriarch Matrix links these and other historic events that are emblematic of our troubled times and our past. The heroine is a survivor of the Daesh kidnappings and enslavements. Her story and that of her ancestral matriarch portray a mythic and metaphoric parable of how mankind has evolved, or not. Only her love will lead to the truth.

At times, the story is dark and intense, reflecting what has actually happened to oppressed people, especially women, across time all over the world. May we learn from stories like this so we can strive to make our daughters’ world better.

I would like to thank all the women who have helped with the critique and editing of this story—one that I hope helps you reflect upon our world.