Marguerite, born to aristocracy in France, has been raised on her estate, with a view of her gardens and lands beyond. Sadly, however, after her mother died in childbirth and her father three years later in battle, she is now at the mercy of her guardian, a mercurial gentleman who is largely absent. What he does do is chip away at what is rightfully hers – first assigning her a teacher to guide and tame her, then confining her to a limited space in her own home so that he can rent out the rest of the house. Over time she discovers that he has mortgaged her entire property for his own purposes, after which he removes her from the only home that she knows. Eventually, she learns she must accompany him on a sea voyage to the New World (Canada) and when she develops a covert relationship with his assistant, he punishes them both by leaving them both, along with her elderly nurse, on a deserted island to fend for themselves. The unspeakable challenges and sorrows that ensue are alternatively gripping and devastating, horrifying and inspiring.
This novel is an extraordinary tale of passion, survival and faith. Goodman describes unfathomable circumstances under which Marguerite, initially privileged, helpless and resentful becomes wise, emboldened, and resourceful. We see her grow not only in strength, but in faith. She is initially very rebellious, and her cynicism serves her well. But as she grows, so does her humility and with it her understanding and her belief in something outside herself. She is able to see how the teachings of her nurse and her former teacher show comprehension of a larger world, a deeper meaning that encompasses the worthiness of giving, the benefit of compassion, what goodness truly means.
A current thought about trauma is that it can go two ways: it can lead to post-traumatic stress, or alternatively to post-traumatic growth. Occasionally, one has to go through a traumatic experience to become the best one can be. Experiencing pain gives us humility. Knowing pain enables us to understand it in others. (Not that we all have to be left on a deserted island to have a modicum of compassion for others, but you understand my point here, I hope!)
This is a wild story based on documentation of an actual person who went through this insane experience. Details are largely embellished but the basis of the story appears to be true. I would love to hear what others think about this one! Comments please???
kindread spirits 