Isola

A Novel

By: Allegra Goodman

Narrated by: 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.

Completely Captivating

I could not stop listening to this compelling story of resilience. The writing was exquisite!

“A Captivating Tale of Strength and Resilience”

Isola captivates with a strong, courageous protagonist and immersive storytelling. A compelling journey of resilience, adventure, and personal growth.

Loved it

Days after listening to this book, I’m still thinking about it. The courage of this young woman is amazing. Her self growth and how she conquered so many obstacles is inspiring. The story also shows the tragic lives of most females in that era.

How Brave Do You Think You Would Be?

Great story, well told. Any young woman who doesn’t appreciate the equality women have achieved will understand how far we have come.

Margaritas endurance

I enjoyed the setting and the deep soul searching Margarites had. I wish she could have found another love for her to have a family with