I really enjoyed this historical fiction book, and love that it was based on the story of a real woman. Her bravery and perseverance in the face of abandonment, loss, and danger was inspiring!

Although I have read and enjoyed many of Allegra Goodman's books, I started listening to Isola with some apprehension. It seemed so far and different from those I'd read. It did not take me long to realize that my apprehension was unfounded. Here, in the hands of a talented writer, unfolds the fictionalized story of the real 16th-century Marguerite, orphaned daughter of a man who had served and died for the King, whose wealth was seized by her guardian to pay his debts. Eventually, he takes her on the voyage he leads to New France, where he leaves her, her remaining devoted maid, and his secretary, with whom Marguerite had fallen in love. The story of her survival, the deprivations and losses she endured, and her eventual rescue, is mesmerizingly told, a tale that is enhanced by the and superb narration of Fiona Hardingham. Marguerite is an inspiration and in Goodman's talented hands her story is now available for readers to enjoy. Highly recommended.

Beautifully written and narrated. I'm not a huge historical fiction fan, but there were enough common feminist elements to keep me interested. I loved the scenery and the characters. It was heartbreaking, but still a delight to read.

I received a pre-pub audiobook from Net Galley. I thought the narrator was excellent. The story was bases on a real person with these real events that actually happened to her. I really liked the story premise of a young woman cast out on a desolate island by an awful relative. The story started out with Marguerite being raised alone by servants and taught reading, writing, and religion in her home. Her cousin, Roberval, who is disinterested in her as a person and more interested in her wealth. He visits infrequently to check on her. Roberval often does not leave her any money to live on, even though she her parents left her much wealth and lands. I felt that this part of the story moved along a bit slowly. Eventually Marguerite, her friend, and her lover were well developed characters. I thought the character of Roberval could have been more developed. When Marguerite becomes of a marrying age the story picks up. I found that the rest of the story very interesting. I found the authors historical note at the end about two different accounts of the real person Marguerite interesting. I enjoyed the book and I hope you do too!

An historical novel that tells a true adventure tale along the lines of Robinson Crusoe. In the 1500s, French heiress Marguerite is orphaned at a very young age, left in the care of a guardian, Roberval, who eventually is appointed governor of New France. As they sail for his new territory, Marguerite and Roberval's assistant fall in love, which angers her ward. So he abandons them, along with her nurse/servant, on an isolated island where the three of them survive through arctic winters and near starvation. Eventually the lone survivor, Marguerite makes her way back to France only to again encounter Roberval as she tries to rebuild her life. Beautifully told, with excellent audio narration, highly recommend for fans of historical survival stories and real life female heroines.

A hauntingly beautiful tale of survival against all odds, the story of Margarite de la Rocque will intrigue many. Goodman brings to life a real historical figure who overcame many issues, including being ruled by a troublesome guardian, and became a story in one of Queen Margarite of Navarre's books. Readers will be drawn into the story, which follows Margarite from her childhood as privileged orphan who is heir to a chateau and lands through her early adulthood with a guardian who sold her land and forced her on a trip to the New World, with rich descriptions and vivid details. Readers will also see the strong relationships our main character formed with her nurse, best friend, and lover. Through each trial, readers will cheer for Margarite as she grows into a new person, a woman who fears not, especially during her exile.

I had the opportunity to listen to the NetGalley audio advanced reader copy. The narrator did an excellent job invoking emotion throughout the book, which helped drive the main character's story.

Very good read! Fascinating to learn that it is based on a true story! This was completely different from the books I typically read, but interesting and engaging. You don't see a lot of fiction from this time period either, or at least it isn't on my radar. The description was so interesting, I had to give it a try! The audiobook was very good and the narrator excellent!

What an incredible achievement to take what was basically a historical footnote, in the context of a few men’s lives, and flesh it out into this beautiful, heart-wrenching saga of one very brave young woman. Allegra Goodman’s words, as thoughtfully narrated by Fiona Hardingham, are perfectly chosen to transport the reader (listener) to 16th century France and beyond.

Five bright, shiny stars for this magnificent and well researched piece of historical fiction. After a bit of a slow start I couldn’t stop listening as the story unfolded. Marguerite is a total badass!

This is an event in history in which I was previously unaware. I’d now like to read more about the fascinating life of Marguerite.

The narration by Fiona Hardingham was perfection! She brought the characters and story to life. I will be searching for other works she has narrated.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and especially anyone who enjoyed The Frozen River. Both of these books are my top tier favorites of historical fiction based on actual real life strong women.

Survival shows are my guilty pleasure so this book was a big hit with me! The story is absolutely fascinating and Goodman did a wonderful job of filling in the blanks in a believable way. I was hooked from the start and couldn't stop listening!

Fiona Hardingham does a beautiful job of reading!

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.