Isola: Reese's Book Club

Bookseller recommendation

“Fascinating account of a woman's resilience in the face of cold, starvation, loneliness, grief, and polar bears! Resplendent with the natural splendor of a remote island off the coast of Canada.”

— Kristine • Buttonwood Books and Toys

Bookseller recommendation

“Historical fiction at its finest. Marguerite is a heroine everyone should know about. Well researched and beautifully told. ”

— Jaime • Plenty

Bookseller recommendation

“Based on the real life of a 16th century French noblewoman, this harrowing tale held me enthralled. Marooned on an island off Newfoundland after being betrayed by her guardian, Marguerite must rely on ingenuity and love to survive in the harsh wilderness, discovering her true strength.”

— Erica • Author's Note

Bookseller recommendation

“Isola, based on the true story of Marguerite de la Rocque de Roberval, is above all a story of one strong woman’s survival. Marguerite, orphaned in 1515, survives a childhood dependent on the whims of her adult cousin and guardian. She survives a treacherous journey across the Atlantic to New France, and she survives being cast from the ship by her ruthless cousin onto a deserted island with her lover and her nursemaid. Goodman is adept at creating both the courtly world of 16th century France and the desolate black granite island filled with wonders and dangers. Hardingham gives voice to this woman who had little voice of her own, but achieved more than many men of her age. ”

— Claire D. • Honest Dog Books

Bookseller recommendation

“In this rich and intriguing tale, Goodman imagines the details of the life of Marguerite, a real-life 16th-century gentlewoman who finds herself struggling for her survival. Wonderful historical fiction highlighting the perils of being a woman in 16th-century France, and the strength and transformation possible (necessary) through trials. ”

— Nancy • Raven Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“For those who loved Frozen River and The Mercies, this is a riveting historical fiction read — from court to a cave, from France to the St. Lawrence Seaway, from love to grief. Marguerite makes her way as a survivor, a tutor, a storyteller, a lover.”

— Sara Rottunda • Valley Bookseller

Bookseller recommendation

“An amazing, sweeping adventure story of endurance and survival, set in 1540, rooted in true events! A French noble woman is left on an isolated island in the St Lawrence river with her lover where she learns to fend for herself, including fighting off polar bears, for several years before being rescued. An absorbing story of resilience.”

— Anne • Newtonville Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Set in 1500s France, this story follows the plight of orphaned noblewoman Marguerite de is Rocque who is entrusted to a guardian from the age of 5. At the mercy of Francois Roberval, Marguerite finds herself on a ship bound for the new world. What happens next is unfathomable. ”

— Ashley • The Story Collective

Bookseller recommendation

“When you don't have much power or control over your station in life, and the person who can control that doesn't think anything of you, it's remarkable what strength can be found. Isola was a beautiful chance for me to read about Marguerite, who was almost lost to history. Allegra Goodman gave a voice and story to a woman who was left to survive on an island off of what is now the Canadian coast. I like that the main character wasn't exactly likeable, but you couldn't help but admire her story. A petulant girl who grew up with her place in society, expecting to have her needs met, is always going to make readers feel put off, but that was part of the story. However, when she had moments of reflection it was so human and relatable. ”

— Rachel • Dog-Eared Books