The story begins and ends in France, taking place in 1531-1544, during the Age of Exploration, when France, England, Spain, Netherlands, and Portugal are sending sailing ships across the globe to claim foreign lands and their treasure. This was not an occupation for women, but Marguerite de la Rocque de Roberval is swept into a voyage to the New World. Marguerite is born to a noble family, living on their French estate called Perigord. Her mother died in childbirth, leaving her upbringing in the hands of her loyal servant, Damienne. When her father dies in battle for the King, Marguerite’s birthright is managed by her uncle, Roberval. He is a voyager, a speculator, a man seeking funding from the King to explore and establish dominion for France in the New World. When Marguerite comes of age, she discovers that he has used most of her inheritance to support his endeavors, leaving her penniless and at his mercy.

Goodman does a skillful job of presenting Marguerite’s world, with well-developed characters supporting her, and the relationship between her and Roberval is dramatically heightened and presented. We feel her mounting anxieties as she learns what he has done, and tries to uncover what his next moves will be. When Marguerite finds love with Roberval’s secretary on the voyage, we know that this will not end well. The adversity and perseverance needed to survive are well depicted, with effective dramatic pacing throughout, a real page turner.

Woven throughout Marguerite’s tale is a theme of the role of religious belief, with the symbols of a book of Psalms given to Marguerite from Roberval, and an icon of the Blessed Mother. As she goes through her many trials, we see Marguerite’s spiritual development, beginning as a school girl’s study, through to her fight for survival and struggle to find meaning during tragic losses and suffering. Goodman handles this thematic material very well, straight through to a very satisfying ending.

If you are looking for an interesting historical fiction novel, this is for you. It feels accurate (although I am not an historian), and goes well beyond an exciting story, although it delivers that for sure. Highly recommended.