A beautiful and profound book about survival and hope Alice Winn, author of In Memoriam
Fascinating Delicious Powerful I was enthralled, first to last Washington Post
Based on a true story, Isola by Allegra Goodman has it all: love, resilience, defiance... I mean, she even fights a bear! This is easily one of my favorite historical fiction reads yet. Reese Witherspoon
A work of tremendous imagination that draws on harrowing historical records to spin a story of self-determination, courage and faith New York Times
An extraordinary book that reads like a thriller, written with the care of the most delicate psychological and historical fiction Vogue Best Books of 2025
'Allegra Goodmans latest novel is a feminist castaway tale about love, faith, and self-actualization.' Time, 'Most Anticipated Books of 2025'
'Lushly painted . . . a perfect read for cozying up by a roaring fireand feeling thankful youre not the sixteenth-century heroine the story is based on.' People, 'Most Anticipated Books of 2025'
What a gift this novel is: vast, lush, feminist, and brilliantly crafted Exhilarating Ann Napolitano, author of Hello Beautiful
A shocking story, made all the more stunning by the fact that its true. Jodi Picoult, author of My Sisters Keeper
Makes the past strange and real and maddening - and is all the more memorable for that. Joanna Quinn, author of The Whalebone Theatre
Isola is a tale of struggle, strength, and survival thats both timely and timeless Paste
An exciting, imagined narrative . . . As a novel of adventure and redemption and as a story of a woman coming into her own, [ Isola] is a rewarding read. Bookpage
Resilience! Surviving the elements! Polar bears! But one of the best parts of Goodmans writing is her insistence that all young girls have stories and lives worth sharing, even if this one is particularly exceptional. Literary Hub, Most Anticipated Books of 2025
Goodman writes with fluid beauty, deep empathy, and an emotional undertow that pulls you in and holds you from the first page to the last. Kirkus Reviews
Engrossing . . . Goodman brilliantly depicts Marguerites courage as she fights to survive the bitter Canadian winter. Its a rousing portrait of an undaunted woman. Publishers Weekly
Goodmans lush and enthralling castaway tale of betrayal and love, suffering and strength is magnificent in its beauty, mystery, fury, and redemption. Booklist
