Based on the true life of Marguerite de la Rocque, a young woman born into nobility in the 1500’s..she became an orphan and was placed under the care of a guardian, Roberval.. a volatile man..who she doesn’t even know. He is in charge of her future.
Well, he is also a gambling man and he sells her lands and home to pay off his debts. He also makes her come on a voyage to New France with him where he believes he will find wealth.
They board the ship, she with her servant Damienne..they have a rough time on the trip but she ends up falling for Robertval’s secretary and is caught with him.
They are ordered off the ship and taken to a deserted island… mostly made of rock.
Now it is a fight for survival as they were only given limited supplies and hardly any food when they left the ship.
This part of the story was very intense… riveting…with much grief and loss.
Very beautiful writing!

Here is a review from another author:

Praise
"A shocking story, made all the more stunning by the fact that it has its roots in true history, Isola is an immersive journey through the eyes of Marguerite de la Rocque, who redefines what makes one a woman of worth and what the difference is between having a life and truly living."
—#1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi
Picoult
Copyright © 2024 Allegra Goodman. Site


Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the Arc!

Isola by Allegra Goodman was 400 pages of Marguerite De La Rocque's will to survive. Incredibly well written and researched. Every part of the book was suspenseful, maddening, and tragic. I haven't read something this heartbreaking and raw in a long time.
The authors style can be compared to Kristen Hannah and Jodi Picoult.

Review
Stranded on a desert island with only her lover and nurse, French noblewoman Marguerite is at the mercy of nature to survive. She’ll face many challenges but she’ll find her strength. Isola takes us to 16th century France and New France to show a portrait of a young woman who many do not know about. I found this story fascinating since this is a tale I have never heard. I really like the author’s storytelling from Marguerite’s perspective because you can sense the growth in her as she overcomes challenges. I also liked the religious undertones because that is the view anyone from France at the time would take. I definitely recommend Isola!

This historical fiction book is about a 16th century orphan of means, Marguerite de la Rocque. When we meet Marguerite she is a child who is ruled by her cousin. Roberval. Roberval loses his money and then starts to sell Maguerite's holdings to replenish his coffers and fund his exploration. Eventually, as a young woman, he takes her to voyage to New France with her servant. After she displeases him, he abandons her and her servant on a desolate island to fend for themselves. This is a singular story of survival from noblewoman to hunter. She learns to do what is necessary to survive. After 2 years she is rescued and brought back to France where she walks to find her former home and friends.

This captivating historical fiction is an epic story that will hold you in its grasp until the last page. This is my first Allegra Goodman book and definitely not my last.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random house for the opportunity to read this extraordinary tale.

The author isn't really generous with the reader in that too much of the plot was explicitly spelled out. The foreshadowing could have been way more subtle - we would actually have understood!
I had never before heard of Marguérite de la Rocque and am so glad to know her story now.

First, I'd like to preface this review by saying I requested #Isola based SOLELY on the author (the amazing #AllegraGoodman) and not, in this instance, based upon the book's description. I am not usually a seeker of historical fiction. With that in mind, I loved this book!! Thank you #NetGalley and #TheDialPress for the opportunity to read this ARC. I am still hoping to obtain it on audiobook as well.

I have been captivated by this author -- especially her more recent novels like #TheChalkArtist (not talked about enough!!) and #Sam -- so her ability to create a compelling and entertaining novel has already been well established. Isola departs from everything I've read by Allegra Goodman and one of my favorite aspects of this book was the AUTHOR'S NOTE at its conclusion (well=placed for this reader) which discussed her inspiration for the book: the real-life Marguerite de la Rocque.

This story was born in the imagination of the author decades before earlier and some of the writing process was described as she moved forward in the writing process.. She so poignantly described these components that it exponentially increased my love for the book..

Marguerite de la Rocque was a 16th century noblewoman for whom there is limited written historical data, but this novel exquisitely fills in the gaps of her passionate and resilient story. Isola is a tale of friendship, love, birthright, strength, faith, INTEGRITY, and a jawdropping will to survive and not to compromise oneself.

This novel gallops along with the feel of a fairy tale (more Grimms' than Disney!!) and lands terrifically on an isolated, uninhabited island and becomes a tale of true survival under life-threatening circumstances - harsh elements and the dangers of the wilderness.

Other characters -- especially Damienne her faithful nurse and family's caretaker from the time of Marguerite's birth, as well as her best friend Claire, are layered and unforgettable women. We learn at the beginning of the book that our heroine is an orphaned noblewoman and are also provided with a too-brief glimpse into her young life.

There are moments of utter despair, lost faith, renewed devotion, deep friendship, and selflessness.. While many characters shine, there are others, in particular her "cousin/guardian" Jean Francois de la Rocque de Roberval, a reader can genuinely despise. The novel is packed with emotion -- loss and triumph.

BRAVA, Allegra Goodman! You've brought Marguerite to life! You are her champion and her voice -- hundreds of years later -- and provided her with a gorgeous, harrowing story which delivers the feelings you've maintained toward her for all these years!

This was a… great and riveting novel. This book left me speechless more than one time. It’s based on a true story which made this book even more compelling. I believe the writing and the way the author told this story did it justice and I’m glad I was able to read it.

While the history was very interesting, I found the first half of this book quite repetitive and slow. Thank you for this ARC. I will look for other books from this author.

WOW. WHOA. WOWZA.

I truly don't even know what to say after finishing this novel, but it honestly EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS. This is my first novel by Allegra and it definitely won't be my last! What a fantastic storyteller!

I went into this not really knowing the plot or the history behind it. I just saw the cover and a bit of the synopsis and it was an immediate "YES PLEASE." From the very beginning, as I started reading, I realized this would be special. It felt like I was reading a favorite classic. The writing excellent, the character development wonderful, the shock at the end finding out it's based on truth?! WHAT!

This was a mix between Jane Eyre, Swiss Family Robinson, and Cinderella. Something like that lol.

Marguerite is an orphan whose cousin became her guardian to watch over her. He turns out to be a not so good man, and she ends up marooned on an island with her lover and nurse. I don't want to say any more of the plot because it's truly wonderful to have it unfold as you are reading, but I promise you it's worth it!!

The character development of Marguerite was absolutely heartbreaking, breath-taking, inspirational, and gut-wrenching. Who she was at the beginning of the novel to the end was absolutely brilliant. The writing was beautiful and I found myself tearing up in multiple parts.

I don't want to say too much without giving it away, but just trust me. READ THIS.

Very much enjoyed. The strong premise (based on a true story) was very much supported by equally strong writing. The text explored larger social and psychological themes as well as gets into the nitty gritty of everyday survival which I find riveting for some reason. Very well done, would recommend!

Thank you Netgalley for the arc of this upcoming release!
In this upcoming historical piece we are dropped into the 16th century following Marguerite. She was born into nobility, which makes this story all the more shocking. For those of you who love history and the power of survival, this will be one to look for!

Marguerite goes from rich to destitute in this 16th-century tale, inspired by the real-life story of Marguerite de la Rocque, a French noblewoman abandoned on a desolate island. The novel is a sweeping historical saga that examines themes of survival, faith, and self-discovery. When Marguerite is orphaned and left in the care of her volatile cousin, Jean François de la Rocque de Roberval, she is forced into a journey to New France. After falling in love with Roberval's servant, Marguerite is punished and marooned on an unforgiving island, where she must rely on her resilience to survive the brutal conditions.

It's a story of survival, and adaptability. Being based on a true story gives the novel more weight and depth. It's very well written and you immediately become invested in Marguerite's fate at the hands of her greedy cousin.

The author brings to life the stark contrast between Marguerite's once privileged life and the harsh realities she faces in isolation. The novel's vivid depiction of nature and survival against all odds provides a meditative exploration of human endurance and the strength of the spirit. Though the pacing is slow at times, particularly as it delves into Marguerite’s transformation, the narrative is ultimately a rewarding one. The character’s evolution from a sheltered noblewoman to a figure of remarkable tenacity makes for an immersive and emotionally resonant read.

I picked this up because I so loved Goodman's novel, SAM, which is a coming-of-age story about a young woman in modern America. This story is set in 16th century France and Canada, and yet, I felt like Marguerite was just another version of Sam. That's not a complaint. I appreciated being able to see how the lives of women and girls have -- and have not -- changed over the centuries, and Goodman is very good at bringing to life ordinary people, characters who have no special talent or charm, but who are resilient.

I very much appreciated the author's note, which notes that this novel is based on a true story that has fascinated Goodman for years. It was only as she was writing SAM, Goodman said, that she was able to find her way into Marguerite's story.

I'll be recommending this to my historical fiction readers.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy.

Marguerite life changes abruptly when orphaned and a distant male cousin becomes her guardian. He forces her, as a young adult, to a voyage to New France, Then he abandons Marguerite and two others on a rocky north Atlantic island. This is an epic story of survival, faith and love. Recommend to those who favor historical fiction.

I'd read one other book from the author that I'd really enjoyed, so I was very hopeful with this one. It was slow-going at first, and I had to get my mind around a 16th century woman of nobility, which took some doing. Fortunately, the tale picked up a bit midway through, and the story of Marguerite on the island was much more relatable and interesting.

I enjoyed this; it was a little ponderous but thoughtful. I will continue to read stories from the author.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

Friends- this one doesn't come out until Jan 21, 2025, but I want to put it on your radar NOW. In fact, I will be pre-ordering a copy for myself because I was so moved by it and know I will re-read it again.

Once I started this book I couldn't put it down. I am blown away with the creativity and insightfulness of Goodman's writing.
The first half of Isola introduces us to Marguerite, a young noble french woman in the 16th century. We are immersed in her opulent world and follow her upbringing in France.
The second half throws Marguerite, and by extension, us the reader, into the wilds and uncertainty of a remote island off the coast of Canada as she is punished for having a love affair with her guardian's secretary. The juxtaposition of these settings and absolute growth and strength of her character is spectacular.
All of the above makes for an inspiring tale. What makes it even more impressive to me is that Isola is inspired by a true event and historical figure. I can only begin to imagine the amount of research that this story took. Each detail is written with such tender care and seems so precise. I am not a historian, nor very familiar with this time period, but as I read, I felt as if I were there with Marguerite- it was just that transportive and believable.

I know I just finished it, but I can't wait to read it again. 📖 Have you ever felt that way before?

Perfect for fans of stories like:
• The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
• The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
• Go as a River by Shelley Read

Thank you @netgalley & @penguinrandomca for an arc to review.

This was a beautifully written piece of historical fiction. The main character is a noblewoman from the 1500s. Her kinsman, also her guardian, maroons her on an island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where he sails from France, to explore what we now know as Canada. The author takes two contemporary accounts and weaves them into a very compelling story of her life. It was delightful!

As a new reader of Allegra Goodman, I was enthralled in her writing. Isola is incredibly well-written and thought-provoking. Following the story of a young woman, Marguerite, it portrays her resilience as she struggles under the oppressive care of her guardian Roberval, a favored adventurer of the King of France. Marguerite is eventually abandoned by Roberval on an isolated island during his expedition to the New World. With only herself to rely upon, Marguerite grapples with her loss of her faith in God, her sense in freedom, and ultimately her own identity. Even though it may have dragged at some times, I overall enjoyed Isola and would recommend it. Rated 4/5 stars.

ISOLA is described as an “unforgettable epic saga of a French noblewoman deserted on an island where her survival will depend on the power of her faith and love.”

If you read the publisher synopsis, you’ve essentially been briefed on the entire plot of the novel. Based on the above description I was prepared to spend most of the book on the island, but it seems like it played a relatively small role. I was hoping for a riveting island adventure, but I didn’t quite feel the urgency here, partially because I knew where the story was headed. I tend to enjoy going into books blind, so this may be a personal preference.

Allegra Goodman is undoubtedly a talented writer. The words flowed poetically, but the plot and storytelling felt a bit light for my taste. Admittedly, ISOLA was a read a bit out of my wheelhouse. I typically stick to “newer” historical periods so I may not be the target audience for this story.

Ultimately, this story felt like it was missing something to me. Readers who enjoy a character study and are anticipating a slower-paced read may enjoy ISOLA.

RATING: 3/5
PUB DATE: January 21, 2025

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Isola is based on the true story of 16th-century French noblewoman Marguerite de la Rocque. Orphaned in childhood, her guardian sells her lands, brings her along to establish a colony in Canada, and ends up marooning her on a deserted island for getting involved with his secretary. She ultimately survives (not a spoiler; the prologue and first person narrative assure us that she lives to tell her tale), but the suspense is in how she does - both survives and continues life after leaving the island.
Goodman follows the contemporary accounts of Marguerite fairly exactly, according to the historical note at the end, but the characters and world that she creates in doing so are vivid and alive, particularly for historical fiction. Marguerite's transformation from a lady restricted by her class and education to a narrow path to a hunter, traveler, and survivor is propulsive. The descriptive writing is just gorgeous. I'm not sure you need to be a fan of historicals to appreciate this - it doesn't hit a wrong note.
Thanks to Negalley and the publisher for the arc!