Isola

This book is absolutely wonderful! I read it during my retreat and couldn’t get enough. Marguerite is born into nobility, but with both of her parents gone, her guardian takes care of her money. Her guardian, Robeval, is a mercurial man. Devout in faith, generous in some moments, cruel in others. She does not trust him, but relies on him and depends on him for her allowance. When Robeval loses everything and forces her to join her on an expedition to the new world, her world is shattered, but obeys. She finds herself drawn to her guardian’s secretary, and the two begin a secret affair. When Robeval learns of their affair, he banishes them to a remote island. There, Marguerite, Augustine (the secretary), and Marguerite’s nurse Damienne must learn to survive. From hunting and fishing to staying alive during the cold, stormy months, it is a tale of survival. I couldn’t put it down. The story is bold and engaging (and hard to believe that it is based upon a true story), the writing is beautiful, the characters… compelling. A really fantastic book.