"Isola," Reviewed by Chris Stuckenschneider

Heart in my throat, I absorbed “Isola,” a riveting work of historical fiction, a novel of survival, its characters experiencing the direst of circumstances. Author Allegra Goodman has written a book certain to absorb readers.

Goodman’s heroine is loosely based on Marguerite de la Rocque de Roberval, who lived in France in the 16-century. Marguerite’s mother died in childbirth and her father was killed in battle, leaving Marguerite orphaned, but monied, with land and wealth at a young age.

Enter her nemesis—her late father’s cousin, Jean-Francois de la Rocque de Roberval, an unscrupulous man who serves as her guardian, meeting her when she’s just a girl and pretending he will manage her affairs and establish a dowry when Marguerite gets older.

Instead, Roberval takes ownership of Marguerite’s family’s chateau and moves Marguerite, her beloved nurse Damienne, and other friends faithful to Marguerite, out of the only home Marguerite has ever known.

Every few years, Roberval, who is often at sea, returns to check on Marguerite with his young male secretary, Auguste, who does Roberval’s bidding yet treats Marguerite with care. With each visit, Marguerite grows more fearful of her guardian, yet at times she attempts to thwart him. But she can do nothing when Roberval orders Marguerite to accompany him on an expedition to New France, (Canada). Marguerite begs that her nurse Damienne be allowed to accompany her, a wish that’s begrudgingly granted.

Once the ship sets sail, the action increases, making it hard to set the novel aside. The experience of being at sea for a young woman is harrowing. The only other female on board is Marguerite’s devoted nurse. The loyalty the woman shows her ward is touching and the sacrifices she makes astounding.

Marguerite also finds comfort in Roberval’s secretary, Auguste, the two gradually entering into a clandestine affair, which infuriates Roberval when their indiscretion is discovered. Auguste banishes the lovers to a small island, leaving them, and Damienne, with only a few provisions and a gun. So begins a lengthy section of the book that’s riveting as the trio attempt to find food, battle wild animals, build a shelter and face the elements in an environment that grows increasingly hostile with the approach of winter.

The setting Goodman imagines the three enduring is so well written as to feel palpable, all the more impressive because historical records show this grave sentence was actually meted out on them. “Isola” is a marvelous book, with strong characters, and a storyline that offers unexpected revelations. It’s garnering wonderful reviews and is certain to be embraced by a wide swath of readers, not just those who enjoy historical fiction.

Buy the Book.