by Jill: Isola by Allegra Goodman 4.5 stars Inspired by the real life of a sixteenth-century heroine, Isola is the timeless story of a woman fighting for survival. French noblewoman, Marguerite de la Rocque de Roberval, who lives to tell the tale of her exile on an island off the coast of New France. She was orphaned by age three, and Marguerite and her nurse, Damienne, are placed in the care of Marguerite’s deceitful cousin. He also squanders Marguerite’s inheritance to pay his debts and fund his naval expeditions. She is to accompany her guardian on an expedition to New France. While on the ship, Marguerite befriends her guardian’s servant and the two form a loving relationship. When discovered they along with Marguerite’s servant, Damienne, are punished by being banished to an isolated island of no inhabitants. Once a child of privilege now finds herself at the mercy of nature. Marguerite is a survivor too. She must learn to climb and hunt and wrestle with despair.
I was so excited that I was able to read an ARC of this. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this beautifully written story of this courageous woman whose story is now being told. It is a page turner and you will find yourself rooting for Marguerite and also grieving with her on this incredible journey of her life. This is my first time reading anything by Allegra Goodman and I will be following what this talented author does next. I will check out her previous book, Sam.
