Isola by Allegra Goodman

A Reese’s Book Club Pick and recognized by The New York Times as one of the ‘Best Books of the Year (So Far)’, Isola is a deeply moving novel of love, faith, and survival set against the backdrop of the sixteenth century. Inspired by the true story of a historical heroine, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy the depth of Jessie Burton’s The Miniaturist and Anthony Doerr’s All The Light We Cannot See.

In sixteenth-century France, Marguerite, heiress to an aristocratic fortune, finds her privileged life shattered upon being orphaned. Her guardian squanders her inheritance and forces her to accompany him on an expedition to the new French colonies of North America. Isolated, Marguerite develops an intense attraction to her guardian’s servant. When their relationship is discovered, they face brutal punishment and are abandoned on a small island with no hope of rescue.

• A novel of survival, hope, and faith inspired by a real sixteenth-century heroine.
• Set in sixteenth-century France and the new French colonies of North America.
• Explores themes of love, faith, and survival against the elements.
• Praised as a luscious, rich, and profound book by Alice Winn.
• Described by Vogue as reading like a thriller with the care of psychological and historical fiction.

• Author: Allegra Goodman
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Print Length: 368 pages
• Publisher: Summit Books UK
• Publication Date: June 18, 2026
• ISBN-13: 978-1398549845
• Dimensions: 130 x 22 x 198mm
• Weight: 505 g

Discover the timeless story of Marguerite as she fights for survival, moving from a childhood of privilege to facing the harsh reality of nature on a desolate island.