Orphaned at a young age, Marguerite de la Rocque’s family’s chateau and land was being looked after by her guardian. Roberval, a gambler, adventurer and explorer, sells the estate and land, and uses the money to pay off his debts and fund his expedition to New France. He takes Marguerite and her maidservant with him. While on the long journey, Marguerite and his secretary become attracted to one another and start spending time alone together. When Roberval discovers this, he becomes furious, seeing it as a betrayal, and in order to punish them, drops them off on a small deserted island to fend for themselves.
Based on the true story of Marguerite de la Rocque in 1500’s France. This immersive tale is almost impossible to put down and will spark some lively book club discussions.
Posted in: Book club, Historical Fiction