Isola: Reese's Book Club: A Novel

Allegra Goodman’s historical novel “Isola” chronicles the remarkable journey of French noblewoman Marguerite de la Rocque de Roberval, recounting her solitary exile on a deserted island with striking resilience and perseverance. The story opens in 1515 AD, with Marguerite’s birth, following the tragic death of her mother. Her father, a knight in service to the King, perishes in battle three years later, leaving Marguerite and her estate under the questionable guardianship of her duplicitous cousin, Jean-François Roberval. The first third of the novel focuses on Marguerite’s childhood as a noblewoman, cared for by her nurse and caregiver Damienne, her teacher Madame D’Artois, and her best friend, Claire D’Artois. Together, they help shape Marguerite into a proper lady, instructing her in penmanship, stitching, and other domestic skills. At the age of thirteen, Marguerite’s life takes a dramatic turn when she is forced to leave her childhood home after learning that Roberval has sold part of her estate to the Montfort family. As she comes of age, Roberval refuses to pay her dowry and instead uses her inheritance to fund his expeditions. He sells off her entire estate, relocating her and Damienne to his own property. There, Roberval's cruel interest in Marguerite grows, using the book of Psalms to emotionally and physically punish her. Eventually, the king appoints Roberval to lead a colonization effort in New France, and Marguerite and Damienne are compelled to join the men on their voyage. During the eight-week journey across the Atlantic, Marguerite falls in love with Roberval’s secretary, Auguste Dupré, who has secretly loved her since their first meeting. When Roberval discovers their betrayal, his wrath is unrelenting. He casts Marguerite, Auguste, and Damienne onto a deserted island, where they must rely on each other to survive. They learn to navigate the island’s flora and fauna, hunt for food, and build shelter, preparing for the harsh winter to come. Goodman acknowledges the inspiration for this story in her author’s note, revealing that Marguerite was briefly mentioned in a children's book about Jacques Cartier. While “Isola” is a tale of survival and resilience, it is also a harrowing account of struggle, grief, and loss. Goodman’s prose is rich and evocative, filled with deep empathy for her characters, and the imagery is lush and vividly rendered. Although the novel’s pacing lags in certain sections, the courage Marguerite demonstrates as she fights to survive, overcoming one obstacle after another, is emotionally stirring. Her story, marked by unwavering determination in the face of overwhelming odds, is unforgettable and deeply impactful. Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- The Dial Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.