Isola

A Novel

Narrated by Fiona Hardingham; Allegra Goodman
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Pub Date Jan 21 2025 | Archive Date Jan 21 2025

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Description

An epic saga about a French noblewoman deserted on an island where her survival depends on the power of her faith and love—from the New York Times bestselling author of Sam.

Heir to a chateau with its own village and lands, Marguerite is destined for a life of prosperity and gentility. Then she is orphaned, and Jean Francois de la Rocque de Roberval—an enigmatic and volatile man Marguerite has never met—becomes her guardian, controlling her future. He sells her property to pay his debts, leaving her destitute, and insists she accompany him on an expedition to New France. Isolated and afraid, Marguerite befriends Roberval’s servant and the two develop an intense attraction. But when Roberval discovers Marguerite's deception, his rage is all consuming. As punishment, he maroons her and her lover on a small island. 

Once a child of privilege who dressed in gowns and laced pearls in her hair, Marguerite finds herself at the mercy of nature. As the weather turns, blanketing the island in ice, survival becomes nearly impossible. She despairs; has everyone and everything she once held dear abandoned her?

A riveting portrait inspired by the real life of a sixteenth-century heroine, and a gorgeous celebration of the power of the natural world, Isola is the timeless story of a woman realizing her true strength.

*This audiobook contains a PDF with a map and recommendations for further reading from the book.
An epic saga about a French noblewoman deserted on an island where her survival depends on the power of her faith and love—from the New York Times bestselling author of Sam.

Heir to a chateau with its...

Available Editions

EDITION Audiobook, Unabridged
ISBN 9780593946480
PRICE $22.50 (USD)

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 8 members


Featured Reviews

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.

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