I could not believe when I found out this story was based on true events! Allegra Goodman does a wonderful job telling the story of Marguerite de la Rocque and her struggles

Really good, if not imperfect, historical fiction

The pros outweigh the cons.

I'll start with the cons just so you can decide for yourself whether these are dealbreakers:

1) The event described in the book summary, being marooned on an island, doesn't happen until halfway through the story which means the first half of the book is Marguerite's day-to-day life. Even the romance is brief. The monotony of daily highborn life was interesting to read from a historical point of view. Women really had no control over their lives. Even those with tons of money.

2) The writing is very emotionally distant. Most of the story is told in summary, even when there's dialogue, the action is sparse and I never felt like I was in the room or on the island with Marguerite. I was watching her from afar or reading her diary. This could have been my own interpretation and other readers may feel immersed. I did not.

The pros!

1) A historical fiction book that's not WWII. This was a fascinating time and place I knew very little about and you can tell Goodman wanted to get the details right. The cultural norms of the time dictated everything and the strangeness was fun to read.

2) Marguerite is a GREAT character. She's the only reason you'll keep reading. She learns and grows. She's not perfect and that makes her interesting to read.

I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Story: 3 stars
Character Development: 5 stars
Writing: 4 stars

Allegra Goodman is one of my favorite authors because of her lyrical and descriptive writing. This story is based on the real life 16th century heroine Marguerite de La Roque Roberval. She comes from a life of privilege, orphaned at age nine and her inheritance squandered by her uncle. She is ultimately cast on a deserted island with her lover. Her story is one of brave woman fighting for her survival..

love, loss, despair, and hope all lived harmoniously in these pages. it would almost be so shocking to be believable, but the author’s dedication to showing characters in all lights helps to remind you that this story is based on true accounts

I read this in a day. A sick day (our second respiratory ughhh in the past month). A cold day in December, when there was no snow but the ground outside was frozen. While I am safe and cozy in my toasty house, and I was grateful for all that I have while I read this.

I had a difficult time not thinking about this story, about the beauty and heartwrenching pain the real Marguerite de La Rocque Roberval, her lover, and her childhood nurse went through. While the pacing was slower than I imagined such a tale would have, the story is one that will stay with readers.

This was my first time reading Ms Goodman’s work, and after this one, I will read more.



Thank you to The Dial Press and NetGalley for the DRC

*Isola* by Allegra Goodman is a mesmerizing and atmospheric novel that draws you into its richly imagined world. Kaufman’s prose is lyrical and evocative, perfectly capturing the beauty and mystery of the story’s setting.

The characters are compelling, their struggles and relationships layered with emotional depth. While the plot unfolds at a deliberate pace, the immersive storytelling and vivid descriptions make it easy to get lost in the world of *Isola*.

This is a thoughtful and enchanting read, perfect for fans of literary fiction with a touch of magic. A beautifully crafted tale that stays with you.

Isola is based on the incredible true story of Marguerite de la Rocque. It gets off to a very slow, almost claustrophobic start. I read through the first half of the novel dreading, and expecting Marguerite's guardian to rape her. What he does, though, is differently evil.
I was honestly somewhat relieved when Marguerite and her companions got abandoned on the island. The pace of the story, and my interest in it picked up considerably.

I've loved other books by Allegra Goodman. She is a skilled writer with a beautiful command of language. I'd recommend this one to lovers of historical fiction.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I didn't realize this was based off a true story at first. Allegra Goodman is such a beautiful writer. Her stories are magical and suck you in. And this book was just that. The story was painful and healing. A little slower than I like, but once it got going that was no longer an issue for me.

This is one of my favorite books of 2025 already. What a fabulously told story and such a diversion from the author's previous work (in the best way). I really loved the main character and her relationships throughout the novel - this is a quiet adventure story that is surprisingly propulsive for having a small cast in a remote setting. I can't wait for more people to read this one!

This is a poignant and beautifully crafted tale about Marguerite, a young noblewoman in the 1500s who is orphaned at an early age. After losing her parents, she is placed in the custody of her cousin, Roberval. Having squandered his own wealth, Roberval wastes no time in taking over Marguerite’s inheritance, selling off her property to settle his debts. Once he has drained her of her assets, he insists that she accompany him on his expedition to New France, leaving her with little choice but to comply.

During the journey, Marguerite grows close to Roberval’s servant, and their bond soon deepens into a romantic relationship. However, when Roberval discovers their connection, he abandons Marguerite, the servant, and her nurse, Damienne, on a desolate island.

Stranded with limited resources, the small group must do everything they can to endure the harsh conditions. Marguerite, driven by sheer determination, devotes herself to ensuring their survival as days turn into weeks and weeks into months, clinging to the hope that rescue will one day come.

Isola is a historical fiction saga based on the life of 16th-century French noblewoman, Marguerite de la Roque. This epic tale begins on her French estate when she is orphaned as a nine-year-old girl, and her miserly cousin becomes her guardian and executor of her massive trust. A bit of an explorer and in favor with the king and queen, Roberval uses Marguerite's trust to further his ambition. Marguerite is then forced to leave her estate, living at one of Roberval's properties. Finally, Roberval orders her to leave the house and join a ship exploration to explore New France (modern Canada). While on the ship, she and one of the staff secretly start spending time together. In a rage, Roberval orders them off the ship and exiles them to an uninhabited island that has arctic winters.

Marguerite is a castaway for two years. Her story of survival is a narrative of finding herself and a beautiful tribute to nature. Goodman's prose is descriptive and atmospheric, allowing the reader to be fully immersed in the story. I was riveted by this amazing true story of friendship and love, faith, strength, and resilience. I highly recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing - The Dial Press, and Allegra Goodman for the advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

#Isola #AllegraGoodman #RandomHousePublishing #TheDialPress #anticipatedbooks #ARCreview #NetGalley #5starbooks #2025TBR #historicalfiction #read #bookclub #bookreview #bookrecommendations #ReadWithJenna

Based on the real life story of Marguerite de la Rocque, a young woman born into nobility in the 1500’s. She is orphaned and placed under the care of her uncle who gambles away her fortune. She is forced to join him on a journey to "New Canada".
This is a beautifully written story where you connect deeply with the characters and feel for the grief and hardships they go through. I would record this book to anyone who likes historical fiction and stories that connect with you deeply

Marguerite de la Rocque is someone who i found really interesting when researching, so i knew i needed to do the book. it edits a bit but not a ton of the history, and it tells an awesome story. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

I had to start this book a few times before it felt right. I absolutely love historical fiction, especially surrounding real life events. I found it to be well researched, if at times, slow.

Wow! This book was a little slow to start, but boy was it an exhilarating ride. I could not stop reading for the entire second half. The best part is, it’s based on a true story. A French noblewoman in the mid 1500’s, survived alone on a small island off Canada’s coast, with few provisions, never having worked for a day in her life. The story really is unbelievable, but this brave woman really did it. I enjoyed the authors writing style-not overdone, but elegant and powerful in its simplicity. Thank you so much to NetGalley for always seeming to magically know what books I will love. I definitely recommend this book for historical fiction lovers.

An amazing story based on a real woman and her traumatic experience in the 16th century, At age 15 Marguerite is an heiress and an orphan. Her mysterious guardian appears now and then to leave money for expenses before disappearing again. But eventually he turns to playing with her fortune to recoup his losses, and in those days there was nothing Marguerite could do about it. Her guardian becomes the equivalent of a governor in New Rochelle, part of New France known today as Canada. For some reason he decides to take her along with him. On the long trip Marguerite falls in love with her guardians secretary. As a way to both get his revenge and protect himself from anyone ever finding out he has spent her entire fortune, he drops her off with her lover and her nurse on a deserted island, and leaves. To say any more would be giving away the rest of the story,

The story is fantastic and yet many things about it are true. The author provides detailed historical notes which help us know what is known and what isn't. Marguerite is a fascinating, frustrating, compelling heroine, an unlikely choice at first to survive on a desert island. The experience changes her. The story sucked me in from the first few pages and kept me reading long into the night. It's a story of love, loss and the resiliance of the human spirit.

This was a beautifully told tale based on a real person. I enjoyed the story very much. It had everything but was not overwritten. Very well paced. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher

📖 review: ISOLA by allegra goodman (ARC)

rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
pub date: 2/4/25

thank you @net and @random for the ARC!

ISOLA is the story of marguerite de la rocque, a young girl born into french nobility in the 1500s and soon orphaned. her cousin, roberval, becomes her guardian, and due to his overwhelming debt steals her dowry and inheritance to help fund his journey to the new world. he forces marguerite to travel with him, and soon she befriends auguste, roberval’s secretary. they develop an intense attraction, and once roberval discovers them, he maroons them on an island and leaves them there to die.

ISOLA, at its core, is a saga of survival, but not just when marguerite was stranded in the wilderness. the book is also a fascinating look into how women in this time were so heavily limited in their ability to act outside of traditional gender roles. in the book, marguerite must also figure out how to survive within a male-dominated society, how to play the game so that she can thrive.

i was so invested in marguerite’s journey. i was rooting for her, i fell in love while she fell in love, i grieved with her, and i celebrated with her. i haven’t felt this strong of a connection with a character in a while, and i was so impressed with the character development.

the book relies heavily on religion as a driving factor for the story, but i also loved how goodman examined flaws in religion as well. while many of the psalms provided hope and comfort, she also showed how those same words could be used to oppress or threaten.

while heartbreaking, ISOLA was beautifully written and was such an incredible story of survival and strength, love and loss, friendship and resilience. often my complaints with historical fiction is that it’s either difficult to follow or boring, and this book was neither. the book is by no means fast-paced, but i found myself so completely engulfed in the story that at times it made me feel like i was reading a thriller.

if you’re a lit fic lover like me, a historical fiction lover, or just someone looking to read a beautiful book outside of their comfort zone, i can’t recommend this one enough.

This is the powerful and moving story based on the historic character of Marguerite de la Rocque who lived in 16th century France. The author paints a fascinating portrait of this titled young girl, who is left orphaned and in the care of a guardian. He manages to blow her fortune in his own losing ventures that consequently leave her at his mercy.
Marguerite goes from a pawn who has had everything done for her to a young woman who deals with the absolute worst that nature can send her way. It is a thrilling and fearsome read that yet inspires hope and courage as Marguerite faces horribly unfair and nearly insurmountable odds in order to survive.
The book sheds light on the powerlessness of women centuries ago. They truly were limited in their capacity to act outside of their assigned roles as wives and mothers. Without a man they had little value and minimal standing or options for fair treatment economically or legally. Women of upper social classes may have education and learn music and fine crafts, but they were still unprepared for life outside of home and family. Servants were skilled at life but held little to no value. We see both of these roles depicted in Isola through Marguerite and her servant, Damienne. I was struck by the difference from women's lives today.
I highly recommend this title to historic fiction fans and readers who enjoy thrilling survival stories. It is well-written and highly descriptive of the raw beauty and danger of nature as well as the ability of the human spirit to rise above incredible obstacles to persevere and live.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

When I saw that Allegra Goodman had a new book coming out, I didn't even bother to read the description. I’ve loved everything of hers that I’ve read.
This beautifully written book takes the reader directly to the 16th Century. It’s based on a true story which makes it all the more compelling.
Marguerite de la Rocque is heir to an estate. But when she’s orphaned, her guardian, Jean-Francois Roberval, sells her estate to settle his own debts. An explorer, he insists she accompany him on an expedition to New France. But when she develops a relationship with his secretary, the captain abandons them on an uninhabited island.
Goodman has created an excellent group of characters. With Marguerite, dealing with the unpredictability of her guardian, I felt I was experiencing her fear. Later, on the island, she willed herself to carry on. I was entranced to see how this young woman, raised to be a lady that never did anything for herself, learned how to survive. Roberval was a strange mix of pompous, tyrannical and God-fearing. He’s cruel and vindictive, but I also felt he believed he was doing the Lord’s work. In fact, Goodman’s use of religion as a form of both control and strength was masterful.
This isn’t a fast paced story, yet I was caught up in it. It’s easy to envision the scenes, whether in a castle tower, the ship or the island. I was anxious to know what would happen to Marguerite.
My thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for an advance copy of this book.