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.

Magical and marooned

I loved this book so much I didn’t want it to end. It reminded me a little of my childhood favorite “island of the blue dolphins” and yet so different. Great read. Great narration, I couldn’t recommend it more

Fabulous

Listened in two days because I was so intrigued by the story and its characters. Loved every minute of it. Wonderful narration- I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an excellent period piece.

Spellbinding!

Was captivated from the onset with this book and consider it one of my top ten favorite reads. Very much appreciate the narrator’s pleasing tone and expression. She had me mesmerized.

Historical fiction based on a true story

It doesn’t get any better. Fiction based on a true story. Excellent writing and a great creative approach to an amazing adventure. I loved this book. It was just exciting -and creative.

Long journey, great story

I didn’t think I’d enjoy this historical novel, set in a time so long ago. But I found myself not wanting to stop reading (listening!) each chapter.