In her latest novel Isola, Allegra Goodman crafts an enthralling narrative that seamlessly blends historical fiction with profound psychological insight. Drawing inspiration from the true story of Marguerite de la Rocque, a 16th-century French noblewoman, Goodman weaves a tale that explores themes of survival, faith, love, and personal transformation. While the historical bones of the story are fascinating in themselves, it’s Goodman’s deep dive into her protagonist’s inner world that elevates this work beyond mere historical recreation.
Narrative Craftsmanship
Goodman’s prose is both elegant and precise, maintaining a delicate balance between period authenticity and modern accessibility. The story unfolds through Marguerite’s first-person narrative, allowing readers intimate access to her thoughts and emotions as she transforms from a privileged young woman into a hardened survivor.
The novel’s structure is particularly effective, divided into six parts that chart Marguerite’s journey from her life in Périgord through her exile on the island and eventual return to civilization. Each section builds upon the previous one, creating a compelling arc of character development that feels both natural and earned.
Strengths
Rich historical detail that immerses readers in 16th-century France
Complex, nuanced character development
Masterful pacing that maintains tension throughout
Beautiful, precise prose that captures both physical and emotional landscapes
Thoughtful exploration of faith, survival, and personal identity
Character Development
The heart of Isola by Allegra Goodman lies in its protagonist’s evolution. Marguerite begins as a somewhat naive young woman, shaped by privilege and social expectations. Through her trials—first at the hands of her manipulative guardian Roberval, then in her struggle for survival on the island—she develops into a formidable character whose strength comes not just from physical endurance but from deep self-discovery.
Supporting characters are equally well-drawn, particularly:
Claire D’Artois – Marguerite’s friend whose steadfast loyalty provides an emotional anchor
Damienne – The devoted nurse whose practical wisdom helps Marguerite survive
Auguste – The secretary whose love both dooms and saves Marguerite
Roberval – A masterfully crafted antagonist whose complexity makes him all the more frightening
Thematic Depth
Goodman explores several interconnected themes with remarkable subtlety:
Faith and Doubt
The novel presents a nuanced exploration of religious faith, showing how Marguerite’s relationship with God evolves through her trials. Rather than offering simple answers, Goodman portrays faith as a complex journey that encompasses both doubt and belief.
Power and Gender
Through Marguerite’s story, Goodman examines the limitations placed on women in 16th-century society while also showing how her protagonist finds ways to exercise agency even within those constraints.
Survival and Transformation
The physical challenges of survival on the island serve as a metaphor for Marguerite’s internal transformation, as she discovers strengths she never knew she possessed.
Areas for Improvement
While Isola by Allegra Goodman is a remarkable achievement, there are a few areas where it could be stronger:
The early chapters, while necessary for establishing context, occasionally feel slow compared to the gripping island sequences
Some readers might find the detailed descriptions of survival techniques and hunting overly graphic
The resolution, while satisfying, feels slightly rushed compared to the careful pacing of earlier sections
Historical Context and Research
Goodman’s attention to historical detail is impressive without becoming pedantic. She seamlessly incorporates period details about everything from clothing to social customs, creating a vivid picture of 16th-century France. The author’s note reveals the extensive research that went into the novel while acknowledging where she took creative liberties with the historical record.
Writing Style
The prose style is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Goodman writes with a precision that captures both the physical world and her characters’ internal lives. Her descriptions of the island are particularly effective, making readers feel the bite of winter wind and the desperation of isolation.
Comparative Analysis
Those familiar with Goodman’s previous work, particularly Sam and The Cookbook Collector, will recognize her ability to create complex female characters and explore their inner lives. However, Isola represents a departure in both setting and scope, demonstrating her range as a writer.
The novel bears comparison to other historical fiction works about strong women, such as Geraldine Brooks’s Year of Wonders or Hannah Kent’s Burial Rites, but brings its own unique perspective to the genre.
Impact and Relevance
While set in the 16th century, Isola by Allegra Goodman explores themes that resonate strongly with contemporary readers: the struggle for self-determination, the complexity of faith in difficult times, and the power of human resilience. Marguerite’s journey from privileged dependent to self-sufficient survivor speaks to modern questions about identity and personal growth.
Final Verdict
Isola by Allegra Goodman is a remarkable achievement that succeeds on multiple levels: as historical fiction, as character study, and as a meditation on survival and transformation. While not without minor flaws, it represents some of Goodman’s finest work to date.
Recommended for:
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong female protagonists
Those interested in survival stories with psychological depth
Fans of literary fiction that explores themes of faith and identity
Anyone who appreciates well-researched historical settings combined with compelling character development
Conclusion
Isola confirms Allegra Goodman’s place as one of our most thoughtful and skilled contemporary novelists. She has taken a fascinating historical footnote and transformed it into a rich exploration of human resilience and transformation. While the novel occasionally falters in pacing and resolution, these are minor flaws in what is otherwise a masterful work of historical fiction.
The book’s greatest triumph lies in making Marguerite’s extraordinary journey feel both historically authentic and personally relevant to modern readers. Through her story, we’re reminded that survival isn’t just about physical endurance—it’s about maintaining one’s humanity in the face of extreme circumstances.