Isola by Allegra Goodman: REVIEW

Synopsis

A novelization of the true story of Marguerite de La Rocque, a 16th-century French noblewoman who was marooned on an island for her “sins” after her guardian forced her to accompany him to North America.

My Review

Okay, I get the hype now. This book is gorgeous, captivating, and all-around brilliant. But in some ways I also get the hate – Goodman writes in a slow, contemplative style, closes the door on the spicy moments, and doesn’t characterize Marguerite as a 21st-century woman in 16th-century clothes. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But speaking as someone who reads more classics and nonfiction than contemporary historical fiction, I absolutely loved it.

Goodman’s writing style feels very old-fashioned, which works well for giving this historical figure a voice. As I said, Goodman doesn’t modernize Marguerite’s personality to the point of anachronism. She feels stifled by her limited lifestyle, as any woman of the time would, but she accepts it as the way things are and only steps out of line when pushed beyond endurance. And once she’s marooned on the island, she doesn’t suddenly become all “girlboss” and independent out of nowhere. She has to overcome fears and weakness implanted in her by her upbringing and societal pressure, and I found that character development fascinating and compelling to read.

Not a romance

I also appreciate that not over-much attention is given to the romance. I’m sure a lot of readers hate that about Isola, so consider this your fair warning if you plan to read this as a historical romance. Yes, Marguerite’s “sin” is a love affair, but we see much more of her friendship with her maid, and even that takes second place to Marguerite’s own personal growth as a woman. The plain fact is, little is known historically about Marguerite’s romance. When her story was recorded for the ages, much more emphasis was given to her fight for survival than to the reasons for her abandonment. Goodman sticks surprisingly close to the source material, though she does flesh out Marguerite’s younger years.

My only complaint

The one thing that threatened to bug me now and then was Marguerite’s attitude. She’s kind and strong, but also a spoiled, selfish rich girl. It started to annoy me at times, and I wondered if it was the fault of Goodman’s writing. In the end, though, it turned out to be a plot point. Marguerite learns and grows. Still, it might rub some readers the wrong way.

Conclusion

All in all, this is a brilliant book. Goodman took a little-known true story of tragedy and survival and brought it to life with elegant writing and just the right amount of embellishment. I hope more readers give it a chance.

You can buy Isola here on Bookshop.org*, or look for it wherever you get books.
*As an affiliate, I’ll receive a small commission from any purchase made through this link.