Isola

A Novel

De: Allegra Goodman

Narrado por: Fiona Hardingham, Allegra Goodman

REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK • “A shocking story, made all the more stunning by the fact that it has its roots in true history.”—Jodi Picoult, author of By Any Other Name

“A new generation of survival story . . . an extraordinary book that reads like a thriller, written with the care of the most delicate psychological and historical fiction.”—Vogue (Best of 2025 Preview)

A young woman and her lover are marooned on an island in this “lushly painted” (People) historical epic of love, faith, and defiance from the bestselling author of Sam.

Heir to a fortune, Marguerite is destined for a life of prosperity and gentility. Then she is orphaned, and her guardian—an enigmatic and volatile man—spends her inheritance and insists she accompany him on an expedition to New France. That journey takes a unexpected turn when Marguerite, accused of betrayal, is brutally punished and abandoned 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, she discovers a faith she’d never before needed.

Inspired by the real life of a sixteenth-century heroine, Isola is the timeless story of a woman fighting for survival.

*This audiobook contains a PDF with a map and recommendations for further reading from the book.

Stunning and flawless

First, let it be said that I'm not a bot and no one paid me or bribed me to write this. ( It's hard to know which reviews are real these days.) Frankly, I'm in awe of this novel and will be buying my own copy for my home library. It is far and away better than what I imagined. I started it feeling doubtful, because it sounded a little dull, but I ended it thinking it's one of the best historical novels I've ever read. It's the kind of novel that could be taught in school alongside the classical canon, and it's the caliber of writing that is sorely lacking from the literary market today. On top of that, the performance was brilliant. I highly and unequivocally recommend this incredible novel!

Moving and Inspirational

To say I enjoyed this story is an understatement. I found myself immersed in every little detail of this story. It was raw, real and moving. It is a story that I don't think may people would have been able to suffer through but alas our heroine did just that. 100/10!

The courage of Marguerite.

That Marguerite was rewarded for the life she had endured with such an honorable endeavor.

Isola

This is a great story and historical depiction of Marguerite's life. The detail of her experiences on the island for two years seemed tragic but yet very realistic. Loved the ending.

gorgeous narration

it's a story of female survival in 2 dangerous places- both in patriarchal society & in the wilds of an unforgiving island. Her story unfolded so that I devoured this book. if I wasn't listening to it, I was thinking about it.

Lessons for my own life.

Through the journey of life’s struggles for main character, Marguerite. She’s real, spontaneous which gets her in to much troubles but through hard lessons learned deep in her heart from the few trusted friends surround her with strength to always move forward and not give up. Which will indeed help me in my life’s woes. My thanks to the author!

Favorite audio book in awhile

Shockingly good plot and loved lead character as well. I’ll definitely grab more from the author!

Inspiring story of woman’s faith and survival

Well researched book on time period and fictionalization of what the main character may have experienced and felt. Concludes the story with a good ending eventually.

Couldn’t stop

I recommend this audio book highly
This was such a great listen from start to finish!

Compelling adventure story

I couldn’t stop listening. The tale is exciting and incredulous. Wonderful to hear about a 16th century heroine.