Isola

Based on a true story, Goodman’s newest novel (following Sam) recounts the harrowing tale of Marguerite de la Roche, a French noblewoman in the mid-16th century. Orphaned as a young girl, Marguerite becomes the ward of her cousin, the adventurer Jean-François de la Rocque de Roberval, who leaves her for years in the care of servants. Mercurial and self-serving, Roberval secretly uses Marguerite’s inheritance to fund his expeditions. But when his ventures fail, Marguerite’s estate is lost to a merchant family. With no protectors, she cannot oppose Roberval’s squandering of her fortune. After the king appoints Roberval to lead a colonization effort in New France (present-day North America), he forces Marguerite to accompany him on the voyage. During the journey, Marguerite falls in love with Roberval’s secretary, kind and handsome Auguste, who has loved her since their first meeting. When Roberval discovers their relationship, his wrath is merciless. He abandons Marguerite, Auguste, and Margueritte’s nurse Damienne, on a remote Canadian island. Stranded with little hope of rescue, the castaways are initially blessed with summery weather. However, with winter looming, they must rely on their wits to survive the island’s harsh, barren wilderness.