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 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

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Completely Captivating

I could not stop listening to this compelling story of resilience. The writing was exquisite!

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Engaging and Thoughtful

This is a great work of historical fiction. It brings to life the era of exploration and plight, with a strong heroine who endures many hardships. This book was lovingly researched and written. Highly recommend!

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Strong and Bold and Real

I love that this story is about a real person from the mid 1500s and that the author brought her to life so beautifully.

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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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1 person found this helpful

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Isola

This was so well written. The story really comes alive for you. You could relate so intimately with the main character’s plight.

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Fantastic!

Excellent novel. Beautiful story, high caliber writing, and impeccable narration! The plot was so engaging and I couldn’t stop reading. One of my favourite books in a long time. Loved it!

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Great story and narration!

I loved this book! What a great story about a woman’s strength to endure after being cruelly abandoned.

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Great historical

This was a beautiful and heartfelt historical based in an actual woman. The narrator did a great job. The author gave me a book that will stay with me.

Well done and researched.

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Interesting

Story was good enough that as you listen , you hope that just once the main character speaks up. It will be hard for modern day women to not freak out at Isola’s restraint and her predicament.

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so entranced

loved the entire story.. would read or listen again . hope there is more to come

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