Scan barcode
A review by happiestwhenreading
Isola by Allegra Goodman
4.0
When Marguerite is orphaned at nine years old, her cousin (whom she does not know) becomes her guardian, therefore, in charge of her estate. Roberval is a miserable person who likes to adventure and gamble - with Marguerite’s money. When he’s effectively lost all of her inheritance, he then orders her to sail to the New World with him. While on the ship, Marguerite falls in love with Roberval’s secretary, angering him so much he abandons her with very little to a deserted island with her lover and maid.
How will these three survive the harsh conditions of an island in what we now know as modern Canada? It is in these years that Marguerite truly comes into her own - finding her strength, courage, resilience, and voice.
I didn’t know what to expect from this one. Ancient time periods (1542), New World exploration, and survival stories aren’t necessarily intriguing to me on paper. But what ultimately made this an enjoyable reading experience, besides the beautiful writing, was Marguerite’s transformation. She went from being noble to slaying bears and fighting for her life! It’s a testament to humanity’s will to survive the impossible and to come out on the other side stronger. While her circumstances are hard, her story is hopeful and her resilience inspirational.
Fans of Maggie O’Farrell (Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait) will enjoy this one!
How will these three survive the harsh conditions of an island in what we now know as modern Canada? It is in these years that Marguerite truly comes into her own - finding her strength, courage, resilience, and voice.
I didn’t know what to expect from this one. Ancient time periods (1542), New World exploration, and survival stories aren’t necessarily intriguing to me on paper. But what ultimately made this an enjoyable reading experience, besides the beautiful writing, was Marguerite’s transformation. She went from being noble to slaying bears and fighting for her life! It’s a testament to humanity’s will to survive the impossible and to come out on the other side stronger. While her circumstances are hard, her story is hopeful and her resilience inspirational.
Fans of Maggie O’Farrell (Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait) will enjoy this one!