In the 1500's, Marguerite's parents died, one in childbirth and one in military service to the king of France. When she was three, she inherited a chateau in Perigord, with its land, gardens and many servants. Her most faithful, Damienne, was her nurse and first teacher who instructed her in etiquette and religion. At the age of nine, she met her guardian, Robeval, who profited from Marguerite's holdings, but had her life in his hands. His job was to secure her dowry for when she married at fifteen-she was already affianced to another of her station. But Robeval was only interested in spending her money on his expensive voyages, and as her money ran out, she was deprived of everything she owned. The only bright spots in her life were her teacher, Madame D' Artois and her teacher's daughter, Claire.
At twenty, Marguerite and Damienne were moved to another dwelling-this one much worse than before. Robeval returned from his latest voyage and informed her that he was sailing to New France or Canada to colonize the land for the King, and she was coming with him. She was afraid that he was going to take her for his mistress, but had no choice, and she and her nurse were placed on the fleet's lead ship for the long voyage.
Auguste, Robeval's handsome male secretary, was also on the voyage-she had had many dealings with him and found him honest and candid-surprisingly so. Eventually they fell in love on the trip. When Robeval found out, he was furious and planned to execute Auguste, and then thought of a more devious punishment - he would maroon them and Damienne on one of the Canadian uncharted islands or isolas with a few supplies, and abandon them to survive or die.
The reader is made a participant in their journey of tragedy, triumph and beauty. Their lives on the island are filled with unbelievable obstacles that they must overcome to live, and every day that they wake up is cause for rejoicing. Marguerite is tested in the most horrible of circumstances, and she learns lessons that no other noblewoman would dream of knowing. The truly amazing part of this book is in the Afterword, where Goodman reveals that the story of Auguste and Margaritte was found in historical documents which inspired this novel. It's a story of love and resilience which should be read by anyone who dreams of new lands or seeks adventure.
Reviewed by Donna Ballard
February 4, 2025
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