MATIA
How to read
Matia is available now via UWA Publishing and all Australian and online bookstores.
You can also ask your local library to add Matia to their collection.
Print reviews
“Emily Tsokos Purtill’s first novel, Matia, is both ambitiously expansive and, narrated as a series of moments in time, deftly miniaturised...the modern concept of individualism collides with the realms of prophecy and superstition, producing a fascinating exploration of the crucial issues of female agency and choice...[an] accomplished and absorbing début.” - SUSAN MIDALIA, Australian Book Review
“The ambivalences of migration play out through the tensions of mother-daughter relationships, on a domestic canvas which swims with lingering superstitions, trauma, and the intensely patriarchal treatment of women, but also the delight and pride of Greek culture, family and cuisine.” - CAMERON WOODHEAD & FIONA CAPP, Sydney Morning Herald
“Through four different points of view, Tsokos Purtill excavates what it means to be a woman, particularly when traditional values and the social and cultural consequences of immigration trickle down through generations. Matia is an engrossing novel that looks at intergenerational trauma, secrets, guilt, tradition and superstition, for fans of The Eighth Life by Nino Haratischvili.” — DANIELLE BAGNATO, Books + Publishing
“Through the eyes of four resilient women in MATIA, Emily Tsokos Purtill captures the complexities of migration, identity, and the strong hold to heritage. As each generation navigates the challenges of a new world, they carry with them the timeless wisdom of their ancestors, through traditions, memories, and the stories they pass on.” — IRIS PAPATHANASIOU, Neos Kosmos
“Tsokos Purtill writes moments of tension between the generations extremely well, with dialogue that is pitch perfect...This is a beautiful, heartfelt book about family, love and tradition, and the different ways to be a strong woman. With echoes of Melina Marchetta, this is sure to mark the launch of another promising career for Emily Tsokos Purtill.” — ★★★★★ EMILY PAULL, The AU Review
“The feminist framework that supports the narrative is one many are familiar with and the author makes many profound statements (book clubs take note – this is a perfect book for your next group read)...This book has a lot to offer the reader, I wonder what you will glean from this reading experience? 5 Stars from me.” — ★★★★★ CAROL SEELEY, Reading, Writing and Riesling
“There is a richness running through this book that has to do with the importance of family and culture, and the power of tradition and rituals to bring women together for support and pleasure. The disconnection from this brought about by migration and the changes to the lives of women that education, careers and increasing independence bring is also very much part of Matia.” — ANN SKEA, Newtown Review of Books
“Tsokos Purtill writes patiently and carefully throughout, giving the novel an assured tone. As debuts go, it’s pretty much everything an intelligent reader would want. It’s ambitious and deeply indebted to honouring and acknowledging the individuals in the story and this greater Greek community, replete with all its beliefs and traditions.” — LAURIE STEED, WritingWA
“Matia is a beautifully written, intergenerational story that follows four Greek Australian women and explores what it means to be female in a culture that values tradition. Tsokos Purtill seamlessly weaves between history to illustrate how these traditions have trickled down and been adapted to suit each woman’s life as they navigate new environments, social norms and relationships.” —NAOMI NEILSON, Lawyers Weekly
Reader reviews
