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A review by sharbani_m10
Isola by Allegra Goodman
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
It was the title of the book that baffled me; an Italian name ( Isola- meaning island, or a play on the word "isolated) when the book is about a French woman and the establishment of French colonies?
*Isola* is a captivating tale of Marguerite de la Rocque, Marguerite de la Rocque, a courageous 16th-century French noblewoman marooned on a deserted island off Canada's coast. Her journey is both inspiring and profound, showcasing her extraordinary strength, unwavering spirit, and deep faith as she confronts the challenges of isolation, fierce wildlife, and nature's relentless trials.
Allegra Goodman takes us to 16th-century France, a time when some women had opportunities for education, power, and influence. Yet, countless others were confined by societal limitations and rigid patriarchal constraints. Our tenacious heroine, Marguerite, wants to stand against these norms and is fiercely determined to claim her agency in a suffocating environment. Though she faces relentless opposition and well-meaning advice to retreat, her spirit remains unbroken.
Born into nobility, Marguerite's life has been marked by tragedy; she lost her mother at birth and her father soon after. Raised by her devoted nurse, Damienne, who was entrusted with her care by Marguerite's mother and vowed never to leave her side, Marguerite still finds herself subject to a patriarchal system. Laws dictate that her inherited wealth must be managed by her cousin, Jean-François de la Rocque de Roberval. With the king's support, he uses Marguerite's fortune for his ventures in the New World, aiming to establish a Christian presence in the New World, which we now know as Canada.
The specifics of Roberval's tight grasp on Marguerite are not thoroughly explored; it remains unclear whether there are more sinister origins of his tight leash (even forbidding any marriage) or just because of her status as a "golden goose."
Before her journey with Roberval, Marguerite forms a deep sisterhood with Claire and her mother and mentor, Madame D'Artois.. However, it is her relationship with her nurse, Damienne, that truly tugs at the heartstrings, adding emotional depth to the story.
Roberval takes Marguerite and Damienne on his expedition to New France. During the journey, Marguerite falls in love with one of Roberval's employees, prompting the furious Roberval to banish her, her nurse, and the said employee to a remote island. What follows is a gripping tale of survival, as they face the harsh realities of their new environment—cultivating food in challenging conditions, enduring severe weather, and confronting unpredictable wildlife lurking on the island. Throughout these trials, Marguerite's resilience and faith stand as a testament to the human spirit, guiding her on her journey back to France, stronger than before.
The writing style is refreshingly accessible and straightforward, and I mean that as a positive. While some readers might feel that the pacing lags in the midsection, I found myself having a tepid response to it. It is the straightforward approach that also limited my emotional connection to the characters, giving it a historical text feel at times.
The relationship with Damienne was perhaps the best represented and drew on my emotions at specific points. The book undoubtedly leans heavily on themes of faith and religion, and at times, it feels excessive
.
What was a little disturbing is that while doing further research on Marguerite's life, it was suggested that she was assaulted while on the ship, but that was misconstrued as her being promiscuous. She was banished from the boat with the accused and her nurse. In light of this, the decision to introduce a romantic angle involving an employee raises questions about this creative decision. Because, honestly, the romance felt rather abrupt and unnecessary.
By the conclusion, I found myself wishing for a bit more resolution, but I still appreciated how the story reached its ending.
Rating: 3.75
*Isola* is a captivating tale of Marguerite de la Rocque, Marguerite de la Rocque, a courageous 16th-century French noblewoman marooned on a deserted island off Canada's coast. Her journey is both inspiring and profound, showcasing her extraordinary strength, unwavering spirit, and deep faith as she confronts the challenges of isolation, fierce wildlife, and nature's relentless trials.
Allegra Goodman takes us to 16th-century France, a time when some women had opportunities for education, power, and influence. Yet, countless others were confined by societal limitations and rigid patriarchal constraints. Our tenacious heroine, Marguerite, wants to stand against these norms and is fiercely determined to claim her agency in a suffocating environment. Though she faces relentless opposition and well-meaning advice to retreat, her spirit remains unbroken.
Born into nobility, Marguerite's life has been marked by tragedy; she lost her mother at birth and her father soon after. Raised by her devoted nurse, Damienne, who was entrusted with her care by Marguerite's mother and vowed never to leave her side, Marguerite still finds herself subject to a patriarchal system. Laws dictate that her inherited wealth must be managed by her cousin, Jean-François de la Rocque de Roberval. With the king's support, he uses Marguerite's fortune for his ventures in the New World, aiming to establish a Christian presence in the New World, which we now know as Canada.
The specifics of Roberval's tight grasp on Marguerite are not thoroughly explored; it remains unclear whether there are more sinister origins of his tight leash (even forbidding any marriage) or just because of her status as a "golden goose."
Before her journey with Roberval, Marguerite forms a deep sisterhood with Claire and her mother and mentor, Madame D'Artois.. However, it is her relationship with her nurse, Damienne, that truly tugs at the heartstrings, adding emotional depth to the story.
Roberval takes Marguerite and Damienne on his expedition to New France. During the journey, Marguerite falls in love with one of Roberval's employees, prompting the furious Roberval to banish her, her nurse, and the said employee to a remote island. What follows is a gripping tale of survival, as they face the harsh realities of their new environment—cultivating food in challenging conditions, enduring severe weather, and confronting unpredictable wildlife lurking on the island. Throughout these trials, Marguerite's resilience and faith stand as a testament to the human spirit, guiding her on her journey back to France, stronger than before.
The writing style is refreshingly accessible and straightforward, and I mean that as a positive. While some readers might feel that the pacing lags in the midsection, I found myself having a tepid response to it. It is the straightforward approach that also limited my emotional connection to the characters, giving it a historical text feel at times.
The relationship with Damienne was perhaps the best represented and drew on my emotions at specific points. The book undoubtedly leans heavily on themes of faith and religion, and at times, it feels excessive
.
What was a little disturbing is that while doing further research on Marguerite's life, it was suggested that she was assaulted while on the ship, but that was misconstrued as her being promiscuous. She was banished from the boat with the accused and her nurse. In light of this, the decision to introduce a romantic angle involving an employee raises questions about this creative decision. Because, honestly, the romance felt rather abrupt and unnecessary.
By the conclusion, I found myself wishing for a bit more resolution, but I still appreciated how the story reached its ending.
Rating: 3.75