Isola: A Novel

Content Warning: This section features depictions of violence, death, and animal death.

Jean Alfonse rows Marguerite, Auguste, and Damienne into the gulf. He directs his men past several islands until they find one with vegetation. Auguste says parting words of thanks, and the trio make their way to shore with their belongings. They kneel to pray and scramble to protect their trunks when the tide surges in. They sit silently on their trunks and share biscuits and wine. Marguerite lists their provisions, from clothes and the Virgin’s portrait to weapons, preserved food, and seeds. Marguerite and Auguste also have their instruments and books.

Auguste chops small trees to prepare a signal fire. Marguerite follows Auguste to explore higher ground, but she slips and cuts her hands. Auguste washes her wounds in a pool of fresh water, and they collect some water to drink. Damienne hears a loud humming noise, and they follow the sound to a flock of white birds. Auguste shoots and kills one, and Damienne thanks God they won’t go hungry. Damienne prepares the bird, Auguste prepares a fire, and they all feast.

Auguste discovers a large oak tree washed ashore, and he cuts off its branches.