Isola is a captivating blend of engaging storytelling, rich character development, and thought-provoking themes that immediately draws readers in. The author's writing style is both elegant and accessible, creating a smooth flow while tackling deeper ideas. The characters are wonderfully developed, with authentic interactions and growth that add emotional depth to the narrative. Balancing entertainment with meaningful insights, the story offers plenty of twists and a satisfying resolution. Overall, this is a beautifully written and memorable book that will linger in your mind long after you've finished it. Highly recommended.

Set in the backdrop of the 1500s about an orphaned noblewoman, Marguerite de la Rocque, is a piece of historical fiction. Marguerite of noble lineage is orphaned and at the mercy of her assigned guardian and cousin to manage her finances and upbringing. Whist her guardian squanders her money and lands for his own personal agenda of traveling to New France in fealty to the King of France.
This novel evolved slowly at times. This is deliberate in establishing the period and how little power woman whether noble or not had, sometimes frustratingly so. Marguerite lessons dictated by her guardian are to learn the Psalms. The novel picks up when her guardian brings Marguerite and her nanny on his voyage to New France. Marguerite falls in love with the guardian's secretary, Auguste and in punishment abandons them along with her nanny on an island. This noblewoman now must learn to forage food and water and create a shelter in order to survive the harsh climate. When the sole survivor Marguerite is rescued and returns to her homeland now a humble woman. She confronts the Queen and her guardian. The story ends humbly and justly.

Marguerite is born to wealth in 16th century France. Her 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.

3.5 stars, rounded up. Historical fiction novel following Marguerite, a woman born into a prominent family who is slowly robbed of her inheritance by her guardian, an explorer with a thirst for glory and riches that causes him to gamble what is not his &, like most gamblers, ultimately lose. Forced to accompany her guardian across the ocean, Marguerite angers him and is abandoned on an uninhabited island that is difficult and forces her to learn her inner strength, needed for survival.

Didn’t love the writing style, overall. Intriguing story. Large portions are made up, as the historical record on this story are short anders scarce. If you’re a historical fiction buff and enjoy being outraged, this book is right up your alley.

Isola is a haunting tale of survival in a merciless world. Marguerite is a French born noblewoman in the mid 1500s who was unfortunately orphaned at an early age. Her guardian, the ever mercurial Roberval, is responsible for arranging her marriage and securing her future comforts, but sensing opportunity and a helpless victim, he secures her inheritance to himself in order to finance a fruitless mission to the new world. Bereft of everything but her personhood, she and her maid are coerced into joining Roberval on a mission to colonize Canada. While aboard, she falls in love with her Roberval’s secretary, and in a fit of rage, Roberval maroons the two lovers and her nurse on an island where they must fight to survive the brutal Canadian winter.

This story, based on the true story of Lady Marguerite, is harrowing and epic and if it weren’t based on verifiable testimonies of the age, it’d be nearly unbelievable. This story was a cozy read to me, and while I found it occasionally difficult connecting to the cast of characters, I did enjoy the book.

I’d like to thank Random House and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’m not sure whether this foray into historical fiction is a first for this author, but she handles the old problem of how to convey an archaic voice with aplomb. This is a limpid, appealing narrative of survivalism and spiritual refinement that transcends expectations. A parable? A romantic fantasy? I’m not sure how exactly to categorize it, but it undoubtedly casts a spell and dodges expectations. A new development for Goodman and a successful one.

Isola is based on the true story of a young French noblewoman, Marguerite de la Roque de Roberval. Marguerite comes of age without family but with her loyal maid, her teacher, and her teacher’s daughter. Having lost her parents at a very young age, she has a guardian, her cousin and a French explorer Roberval. He is a demanding guardian and a true explorer at heart. As Marguerite comes of age, she is summoned to accompany him on a journey to New France. Marguerite, having fallen out of favor on the journey as she falls in love with Roberval’s secretary Auguste, gets abandoned and left behind on a remote island of what is now Canada. Marguerite fights for survival and is rescued after two years by Basque fisherman explorers. This was a remarkable story that is beautifully told. Thank you to Net Galley for the eARC.

I read a lot of historical fiction. So it was a very pleasant surprise to find a book by an author I didn't know which was one of the most compelling pieces of historical fiction I've read in some time. It is based on a true story: Marguerite de la Rocque de Roberval is cared for by her cousin, who is supposed to manage her inheritance until she is of marrying age. But of course he doesn't manage it - he spends it and sells her family's property.

Part one of the book starts when Marguerite is nine, and sets up the conditions that come to a head later in the story as we see her guardian mismanage her affairs, and subject her to cruelties including isolating her in substandard living conditions and (rather ruthlessly) attempt to teach her the Bible. When she is 18, de la Rocque de Roberval takes her on a journey to New France (northern Canada) as he attempts to start a Catholic colony there. Once on the voyage, she meets and falls in love with Roberval's secretary, and he punishes them by marooning them on a remote, uninhabited island near the Canada coast.

The part of the book that is the heart of the story begins here. Marguerite, her lover Auguste and her nursemaid Damienne must survive on this island despite having little to work with. This part reads like an adventure story - their courage and resourcefulness in learning to use what the island has to give is wonderfully interesting and inspiring. Of course, it is also rough and dangerous, and their ability to survive is tested.

Goodman writes this story in a straightforward manner - no hyperbole, romancing the situation or exaggerating the events. We get to know Marguerite as the extraordinarily strong woman she would have had to be to make her way through the trying circumstances she was subjected to. I very much enjoyed reading this book, and now am looking forward to reading other works by this very interesting author.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

*Isola* by Allegra Goodman is a beautifully layered novel that explores love, art, and self-discovery with graceful prose. Goodman's characters feel vivid and real, drawing readers into a richly immersive world. It's a deeply emotional and thought-provoking story that resonates long after it's finished.

I had never read a book set in this time period, but I'm sure glad that I downloaded Isola. Allegra utilizes a beautiful writing style throughout the book that really drew me to empathize and root for the main character. I think the aspect of this book that will remain with me the most is Marguerite's inner dialogue as she finally travels home. She questions if those from her past will even recognize her, and decides that indeed she is not the same girl as the one they once knew. Though this isn't a groundbreaking recognition from the reader's perspective, I was appreciative to have been brought along through that inner dialogue. I'm able to relate to that thought process for different aspects of my life, and I'm grateful to have Allegra's words to set alongside my own reflection.

A child, heiress to a fortune, castle, village and surrounding lands is orphaned. Set in the 1500s, the child is at the mercy of a much older, erratic male cousin who enjoys inflicting mental and physical pain. Her nursemaid is her constant companion until her cousin hires a tutor who has a daughter who becomes Marguerite’s only friend. The cousin, Roberval, a consummate gambler, rents out the castle to pay his debts. Thus, Marguerite, her nursemaid, tutor and friend are banished from the luxury of the castle to the drafty attic. He eventually has to sell everything leaving Marguerite destitute.

A few years later, Roberval finagles the King of France to allow him to take an expedition to New France (Canada). He requires Marguerite, who is deathly afraid of him, to go with him. His goal is to make her his wife. Marguerite is allowed to bring her nursemaid to accompany her. On the voyage Marguerite surreptitiously spends time with Roberval’s secretary and they fall in love. An enraged Roberval strands the three of them on a tiny uninhabitable island.

Once marooned, the story becomes one of survival. Unable to grow food and fortunately finding a cave for shelter, they must find a way to exist. Having never had to fend for themselves, the drive to survive brings about a strength and sense of ingenuity. The time on the island was a fascinating portrayal of grit and self-determination.

The author did a great job researching the time and places. I got chills reading about the snow storms, drifts and polar bears. The pictures she painted placed you right beside Marguerite throughout her journey. I really enjoyed the book. My one issue was that I felt that I was reading about a more contemporary time, not the sixteenth century. I even felt the need to go back to verify this. This caused a miscue for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Dial Press Marketing for this advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Based on a true story in which a woman and her husband were cast away on a island off the Canadian coast in the 17th century, Isola is about a woman growing up and growing into a very resourceful and resilient person. Goodman manages to tell the story without any pollyanna-isms or melodrama, just good, plain storytelling. This will be a favorite for book clubs and other discussion groups.

3.75 stars

This book really captures what I most love about historical fiction: a solid sense of place, nice characterization, and information about historical elements about which I previously knew little to nothing (and, in this case, that's the featured character's nonfictional counterpart).

Marguerite is set up for success thanks to her parents' prosperity, but like all women, her personal safety hangs by a thread. That tiny connector is snipped when her parents die, and she gets a new, unpredictable guardian. The evolution of their relationship, but especially of the events that unfold when that relationship is further challenged, is a highlight. Since this work is labeled "survivalist," I'll add without any intention of spoilers that this is another high point and the most pivotal set of opportunities through which Marguerite can - and must - grow.

There were times when the pacing felt too slow for me, even if the intention was for the style to match the motif. That noted, there's quite a lot to like here, and I'll be recommending this one as a steady character study versus an action-packed survivalist extravaganza. I definitely enjoyed this listen and suggest the audiobook when and where accessible.

I enjoyed this book so much that I reached out to Allegra Goodman on Instagram to thank her. For 32 years, I was convinced that I was not a historical fiction reader. This book made me realize that perhaps I was just hadn't found the right voice. I give this book a solid five stars, and I have pre-ordered a hardcover copy as a permanent trophy for my home library.

This book transports us back to the 1500s, but not in an uneducated potato-sack fashion kind of way. This is the story of a girl, Marguerite, who lost her parents at a young age. As the descendent of a noble family, her inheritance was transferred to her guardian tasked with looking after her until she became of marrying age. Instead, he took her wealth, abused her, and left her to die. But it's amazing what the heart can do. Even in the most desolate setting, with a hopeless outlook, resilience and love can carry us further than any of us think imaginable.

I genuinely appreciated the author's ability to reflect a narrative more in line with 1500's culture without villainizing it. Obviously looking back and comparing to our modern era, the book highlights how a woman's role has significantly changed (and improved) since then. It's easy to make these characters into caricatures, but the author maintains the setting with authenticity.

This is exactly the type of book that I would recommend to a litfic reader, especially those who haven't had the opportunity to explore historical fiction. I will absolutely be featuring this book on my bookstagram, and I thank the publishers for this e-galley as well as the physical copy I have just received!

In the early 1500's, the young French heiress Marguerite is orphaned. She learns that Jean François de la Rocque de Roberval is her guardian. He is a wicked man and blows though her inheritance quickly. It's when he takes her on one of his voyages to find new land that the story really begins...
Join the poor little rich orphan Margueritte in this haunting story.
#randomhouse #isola #allegragoodman

This is a beautifully written historical fiction, based on a true story. Marguerite is a French noble and orphan, repetitively wronged by her guardian, who undergoes incredible growth throughout the novel.

Unfortunately there are major triggers here- had I known these were present I would not have selected this book. I stopped at 60%, but thoroughly enjoyed the plot and character development up to the part where I had to stop.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review

This is and for quite a while will be one of the most stunning works of fiction I have read this year. Not since Ahab's Wife (Sena Jeter Naslund) have I experienced such a heartfelt exposition on female growth, flaws, and survival. Some of what I have to say might be odd, but these are my gut reactions.

First, and to get it off my chest, I WISH WISH WISH that, when Roberval asked for funding, that our protagonist had send back a book of Psalms. I realize this was something that was likely considered by the author and slipped for being cliche. Still. This was my ONLY unfulfilled wish.

The roller coaster here was insane. The first parts had me wishing for more intense pacing. Then the novel picked up during the casting away of the protagonist and I was grateful and charmed in retrospect by the lengthy exposition. Then, betwixt the chaos and tragedy, the survival story was (dare I say) cozy. We've heard of cozy mysteries and cozy romance and here we have a cozy survival adventure? How did the author do this? How did she draw me in further with a progression so unlikely and intense. And then, HOW did she surprise me by revealing it was based on historical accounts? It's late, I've spent many hours reading, my eyes are tired, forgive these ramblings.

Understandably considering the time, the subject of faith is heavy. I did find myself glossing over many of those parts as I felt the weight of them detracting from. The take at hand and otherwise atmospheric and immersive prose.

A gorgeous book. Well done, you.

Set in the 1500s and based on fact, Isola is a beautifully written novel about a period of upheaval in the life of French woman, Marguerite de la Rocque de Roberval. Love and hate, loyalty and betrayal, resilience and despair are recurrent themes throughout, which the protagonist and other richly drawn characters must negotiate their way through, to an interesting conclusion. Highly recommended. Thanks to Allegra Goodman, Dial Press Marketing and NetGalley for the ARC.

I loved this book. This isn't the sort of book I would normally choose but two catalysts propelled this to the top of my list: I was offered an advance by the publisher and I had recently read (and loved) "Sam" by the same author. The premise sounded intriguing - the story of a wealthy orphan named Marguerite in 16th century France whose fortune is held in trust by a guardian - and squandered. In some ways that reminded me of "A Little Princess", a favorite book of my childhood. But there was so much more here: as young Marguerite's fortunes decline, she is at the mercy of her guardian and forced to join him on his travels by sea to Canada. You can find out more by reading the plot summaries online, but it is better enjoyed not knowing more.

I loved the author's note at the end and learned that this is based on a true story - and that the author sees similarities between Marguerite and Sam, the protagonist from her other novel.

I'm grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for this advance read which got me out of my comfort zone - into a true adventure story.

This was an engrossing historical fiction novel. It was emotional and heartbreaking. It showed the struggles of women in the 1500s, including nobility. It is drastically different from her first novel, Sam. The characters were well written and true to the time.