Isola Audiobook By Allegra Goodman cover art

Isola

A Novel

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Isola

By: Allegra Goodman
Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham, Allegra Goodman
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About this listen

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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Allegra Goodman (P)2025 Random House Audio
Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Renaissance Sagas Women's Fiction Heartfelt Inspiring France Island

Critic reviews

“Lushly painted . . . a perfect read for cozying up by a roaring fire—and feeling thankful you’re not the sixteenth-century heroine the story is based on.”—People, “Most Anticipated Books of 2025”

“Allegra Goodman’s latest novel is a feminist castaway tale about love, faith, and self-actualization.”Time, “Most Anticipated Books of 2025”

“Blazing action on each page—Marguerite’s shrewd deploying of tactics for her own salvation—reminds readers to place our money on the power of human female ingenuity.”—The Washington Post

What listeners say about Isola

Highly rated for:

Gripping Survival Story Compelling Historical Fiction Excellent Narration Immersive Storytelling
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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

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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.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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A Girl who dared to live

Historical Fiction that is so well written I yelled at the author several times, saying no, no way. The Story of a girl who grows into a women shaped by her harsh experiences yet still manages to love.

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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.

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Wonderful story, incredible writing, and masterfully read

I didn’t want this story to end. I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful writing and I am thankful I purchased the audiobook which was read aloud perfectly! Although there seems to be limited historical documentation about the characters the author created a wonderful story

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Excellent Listen

Excellent story. narration was so believable. I will probably listen again and share with someone

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Intrigued by the events and thoughts of Margarite

A woman orphaned is sent to live with her cousin as his ward. After seizing her lands and selling them for his venture, Margarite is forced to learn and resite Psalms while traveling to a new land with her beloved nursemaid. She finds comfort in her master’s secretary on the voyage and for her being discovered is stranded on an island in the St Lawrence River to survive with her nursemaid and husband. Having lost everyone, she forges on finding her faith in God and passage back to France. Finding her long lost friend in her hometown, she finds favor with Claire and tells her and her mother about her struggles as ward of her cousin, her journeys and relationship to God. In a chance meeting with her queen learns that her cousin has conveyed his story of Margarite to her and must defend her story. Margarite is grateful for the queen’s help in her new journey to start a school for girls to learn to read, write and practice prayer as she had, learning that God does not forget us and providence lays it’s plans upon the heart.

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Eloquent wonderful description

Vivid description of how she survived, lived. Puts you in the scene. Really enjoyed. Wanted more.

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Emotions go all over, I could not put it down.

I like the book even though it was something I don’t normally read. It was good from the beginning to end.

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My favorite book

I loved this book so much. Very well written! It seemed like it all could have happened just like that!

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