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Margot
Margot has gifted herself with a vacation to Corsica—the fulfillment of a promise made to herself long ago. And she must admit she’s enjoying the solitude that traveling alone brings, even if the indulgence prompts a guilty twinge or two.
Exploring Corsica’s shoreline, museums, and churches, Margot finds herself reflecting on her life and her mortality. Her daughters are grown, and her marriage at this point is best described as comfortable. As she looks back on her past through a series of revealing flashbacks, Margot realizes she’s come to a pivotal moment in time.
A delicate unfolding of one woman’s life, Margot is like the sea surrounding beautiful, seductive, and capable of dragging the reader into unexpected depths. Author Lisa De Castro brings both Margot and Corsica to vibrant life, seamlessly blending evocative descriptions of Corsica’s weathered, ancient landscapes with Margot’s bittersweet memories—and her possible future.
Exploring Corsica’s shoreline, museums, and churches, Margot finds herself reflecting on her life and her mortality. Her daughters are grown, and her marriage at this point is best described as comfortable. As she looks back on her past through a series of revealing flashbacks, Margot realizes she’s come to a pivotal moment in time.
A delicate unfolding of one woman’s life, Margot is like the sea surrounding beautiful, seductive, and capable of dragging the reader into unexpected depths. Author Lisa De Castro brings both Margot and Corsica to vibrant life, seamlessly blending evocative descriptions of Corsica’s weathered, ancient landscapes with Margot’s bittersweet memories—and her possible future.
92 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2017
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12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 24, 2021
Reading this book transported me into Margot's life and made me feel like I was walking in her shoes (or barefoot) along the sandy beaches of Corsica.
I was instantly drawn in by the beautiful and evocative writing of Lisa De Castro as she explores the inner world of the main character, Margot. The author did a fantastic job of creating realistic characters and drawing the reader into their worlds, exploring what it means to be human, faults and all.
This book made me feel - which not all books can do. It transported me to a new place and broke my heart. Lisa De Castro is a powerful and poignant story teller. I look forward to whatever she writes next.
I was instantly drawn in by the beautiful and evocative writing of Lisa De Castro as she explores the inner world of the main character, Margot. The author did a fantastic job of creating realistic characters and drawing the reader into their worlds, exploring what it means to be human, faults and all.
This book made me feel - which not all books can do. It transported me to a new place and broke my heart. Lisa De Castro is a powerful and poignant story teller. I look forward to whatever she writes next.
August 6, 2019
For a week in July, Margot has treated herself to a vacation in Corsica. A short time without having to tend to the needs of her husband and grown children. Time just for herself. But instead of being fully present as she basks in the sun and admires the art of Le Palais Fesch, Margot’s mind drifts to the past, to the things that might have been, and to who she has become. A chance encounter with an old flame heightens her sense of longing and changes the course of her life forever.
Margot is a short book, but De Castro has tended to each word with such care that the novella is not something to breeze through quickly. I would compare the story to a rich dessert which forces you to slow down and appreciate each subtle flavour. There are luscious notes and bitter hints through the beautifully written prose, and an intimacy with the main character which few authors achieve. Poignant and raw at times, Margot is sure to deliver an emotional punch and will have you reaching for the tissue box.
From reading some of De Castro’s poetry online I knew I’d be in for a fantastic read, but this work exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend reading this gem, and I cannot wait to read more by this author.
Margot is a short book, but De Castro has tended to each word with such care that the novella is not something to breeze through quickly. I would compare the story to a rich dessert which forces you to slow down and appreciate each subtle flavour. There are luscious notes and bitter hints through the beautifully written prose, and an intimacy with the main character which few authors achieve. Poignant and raw at times, Margot is sure to deliver an emotional punch and will have you reaching for the tissue box.
From reading some of De Castro’s poetry online I knew I’d be in for a fantastic read, but this work exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend reading this gem, and I cannot wait to read more by this author.
January 12, 2019
This was a quick read that made my heart jump then made me cry. 😭
I would love to read more from this author ♥️
I would love to read more from this author ♥️
October 30, 2022
A deeply meaningful novella
I really enjoyed this story because, like the author, I have always been drawn to the sea. This short story encapsulates my life as much as the protagonist’s. I can relate on so many levels. It also examines the theme of guilt and cleansing. It was a quick two hour read.
I really enjoyed this story because, like the author, I have always been drawn to the sea. This short story encapsulates my life as much as the protagonist’s. I can relate on so many levels. It also examines the theme of guilt and cleansing. It was a quick two hour read.
March 3, 2018
Margot is a work of literary fiction, but oh-so-lovely, never so lofty that a reader couldn't feel the emotions it contains and artfully expresses. The novel feels like a dream one might have after pressing snooze on the alarm on a lazy Sunday. Reality is bleeding through, but everything in the dream feels floaty and right, even when its wrong, and you want to stay there, in the moment, but you can't. You will eventually wake up. So it is for Margot on her vacation that will have to eventually end.
De Castro's prose is exquisite as Margot absorbs the external fragrances and delights of her vacation in Corsica. We see the island through the observations of a true aesthete character who tastes deeply of the beauty around her, but it is the internal landscape that interested me the most. Margot isn't bitter, trying to get her groove back, but languidly explores her thoughts re: love and the passage of time. Like summoning a ghost, she raises her memories of past passion and identity. Pay close attention, reader, because every song that plays in this work is a connection to Margot, who she was, or maybe still is.
There's an adult complexity to this work. Something you may have missed when you were forced to read Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome in high school. What child understands a lifetime? The loves of our twenties and thirties burn dimly inside, beneath the layers of daily sea change that builds up around a person until they start to think these worries are actually their identity. Margot's vacation enables her to reconnect to herself, but the present intrudes, demanding to be heard, reminding her of who she's expected to be.
Wonderful book. Highly recommend.
De Castro's prose is exquisite as Margot absorbs the external fragrances and delights of her vacation in Corsica. We see the island through the observations of a true aesthete character who tastes deeply of the beauty around her, but it is the internal landscape that interested me the most. Margot isn't bitter, trying to get her groove back, but languidly explores her thoughts re: love and the passage of time. Like summoning a ghost, she raises her memories of past passion and identity. Pay close attention, reader, because every song that plays in this work is a connection to Margot, who she was, or maybe still is.
There's an adult complexity to this work. Something you may have missed when you were forced to read Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome in high school. What child understands a lifetime? The loves of our twenties and thirties burn dimly inside, beneath the layers of daily sea change that builds up around a person until they start to think these worries are actually their identity. Margot's vacation enables her to reconnect to herself, but the present intrudes, demanding to be heard, reminding her of who she's expected to be.
Wonderful book. Highly recommend.
August 2, 2018
De Castro’s work deserves a 5-star rating by just about any metric. For me, that elusive fifth star was earned not just because of the beautifully sentimental tone that permeates “Margot” (of which De Castro’s craftsmanship should be applauded), it was earned because the book made me feel ... emotions. Ugh ... emotions.
I should explain myself.
Reading De Castro’s book was akin to roaming through a carefully curated art gallery of Romanticist and Impressionist paintings; two movements that transcend their surface depictions. This is a good thing. Like “Margot”, those movements trigger ... emotions ... not explicitly presented to the eye of the viewer. Through shadows and light, tone and composition, De Castro presents each brief painting/chapter for interpretation. She doesn’t instruct you on what to feel, the ... emotions ... naturally float into your subconscious. The more I studied the paintings/chapters inside the Gallery of Margot, the more they evoked ... emotions ... in me that I would have rather left unstirred. As I proceeded, I vowed to keep my ... emotions ... in check. With each painting/chapter, the life of Margot became fuller and more recognizable. I became confident I would not again allow myself to be manipulated into feeling ... emotions. It was about then that I reached the second to last painting/chapter. I was honestly surprised at what was before me. Damn it, De Castro had done it to me again. She made me feel ... emotions.
“Margot” is a wonderful experience and a wonderful read for everyone. You’ve been warned: it will make you feel ... emotions. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m now going to go watch a movie about war.
I should explain myself.
Reading De Castro’s book was akin to roaming through a carefully curated art gallery of Romanticist and Impressionist paintings; two movements that transcend their surface depictions. This is a good thing. Like “Margot”, those movements trigger ... emotions ... not explicitly presented to the eye of the viewer. Through shadows and light, tone and composition, De Castro presents each brief painting/chapter for interpretation. She doesn’t instruct you on what to feel, the ... emotions ... naturally float into your subconscious. The more I studied the paintings/chapters inside the Gallery of Margot, the more they evoked ... emotions ... in me that I would have rather left unstirred. As I proceeded, I vowed to keep my ... emotions ... in check. With each painting/chapter, the life of Margot became fuller and more recognizable. I became confident I would not again allow myself to be manipulated into feeling ... emotions. It was about then that I reached the second to last painting/chapter. I was honestly surprised at what was before me. Damn it, De Castro had done it to me again. She made me feel ... emotions.
“Margot” is a wonderful experience and a wonderful read for everyone. You’ve been warned: it will make you feel ... emotions. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m now going to go watch a movie about war.
March 9, 2020
It is said that to be a successful artist or creator, you must make people feel. If this is true, then De Castro proves to be a literary genius with Margot. Margot is therefore, not simply a narrative but an experience. De Castro’s imagery takes readers along on a roller coaster ride that is Margot, while they await her unexpected fate. It melds together beautifully raw moments resembling still images that are nostalgic in nature and moments of hurt and pain that force readers to acquaint themselves with their own innermost thoughts and memories nurturing the notion that there is a little of Margot in all of us. De Castro’s prose is almost poetic and the unexpected twists and turns allow the readers that are invested in Margot’s story to understand the poetic justice that characterizes it. Readers then become forced to be reflective and to reconcile between their love for the protagonist and the world that envelops her. Honest and raw, Margot is a must read and a true literary masterpiece.
January 25, 2019
Reading this book felt a lot like gaining entry to another person’s dream.
The word Lisa has created draws you in immediately, and the dreamlike descriptions and emotions she evokes paradoxically put me on edge despite the gentle hum of sharing personal moments with Margot.
It’s a credit to the author’s writing style that I never truly knew what was around the corner, and yet oddly sensed a layer of dread underlying the bittersweet melancholy of Margot’s story.
For me, my favourite part was how real the characters felt, and how human they were. Faults and all. Lisa is not afraid to explore the ugly truth of the human condition, exploring universal truths in interesting ways that cut through you thanks to their honesty and raw delivery.
That and the way she transported me to Corsica.
I look forward to seeing what Lisa does next.
The word Lisa has created draws you in immediately, and the dreamlike descriptions and emotions she evokes paradoxically put me on edge despite the gentle hum of sharing personal moments with Margot.
It’s a credit to the author’s writing style that I never truly knew what was around the corner, and yet oddly sensed a layer of dread underlying the bittersweet melancholy of Margot’s story.
For me, my favourite part was how real the characters felt, and how human they were. Faults and all. Lisa is not afraid to explore the ugly truth of the human condition, exploring universal truths in interesting ways that cut through you thanks to their honesty and raw delivery.
That and the way she transported me to Corsica.
I look forward to seeing what Lisa does next.
September 1, 2021
This beautifully written novella is story of a woman vacationing on the beaches of Corsica, taking the time to herself - away from the daily stresses of marriage and family - and reevaluating where her life has taken her. Despite it's short length, this novella takes the reader on a rich and detailed journey through Margot's sentimental reflections on life, as well as the emotions she deals with when reuniting with an old flame.
It's clear early on in this book that De Castro is a talented poet and wordsmith, as the prose of this book is as gorgeous as the story itself. I found myself reading many parts of the book aloud, attempting to savor the sounds of the sentences. (Which, to me, is always a plus.) Furthermore, her ability to weave a story that stimulates contemplation, as well as tugs at the heart strings, felt nothing short of masterful.
It's clear early on in this book that De Castro is a talented poet and wordsmith, as the prose of this book is as gorgeous as the story itself. I found myself reading many parts of the book aloud, attempting to savor the sounds of the sentences. (Which, to me, is always a plus.) Furthermore, her ability to weave a story that stimulates contemplation, as well as tugs at the heart strings, felt nothing short of masterful.
October 4, 2019
Read this one slow...and be prepared to digest what happens next...
Margot offers a subtle touch, but is infused with harsh realities. You are gently drawn into the character, the place and time. You become immersed in Margot’s journey where past meets present. De Castro’s imagery heightens your senses as you experience Corsica’s delicacies - art, music, food and captivating scenery. Get ready to feel - this novel evokes a range of emotions. It is so much more than a woman’s need for “I need a break from the routine” trip. It’s like delving into Margo’s soul and being swept up in the turbulence, sadness, guilt, and pleasure of Margot’s existence. Even long after reading the book your mind contemplates the plight of Margo.
Highly recommend.
Look forward to more of De Castro’s works.
Margot offers a subtle touch, but is infused with harsh realities. You are gently drawn into the character, the place and time. You become immersed in Margot’s journey where past meets present. De Castro’s imagery heightens your senses as you experience Corsica’s delicacies - art, music, food and captivating scenery. Get ready to feel - this novel evokes a range of emotions. It is so much more than a woman’s need for “I need a break from the routine” trip. It’s like delving into Margo’s soul and being swept up in the turbulence, sadness, guilt, and pleasure of Margot’s existence. Even long after reading the book your mind contemplates the plight of Margo.
Highly recommend.
Look forward to more of De Castro’s works.
July 6, 2020
There are times in a person’s life when the past, present, and future collide. Margot, by indie author Lisa De Castro, brings us a women’s fiction that focuses on that very aspect.
The book’s description sets the premise, but the author really brings this world to life. The setting of Corsica is beautifully described and provides not only a view of the island, but also delves into its culture and history.
The reader has a front-row pass into Margot’s world. Her thoughts, feelings, and past flow beautifully through the prose, and more often than not, feel eerily familiar. To me, Margot is a living, breathing entity, one I could easily relate to.
Ultimately, Margot is a quick and beautiful read that will leave an imprint on your mind. Highly recommended.
The book’s description sets the premise, but the author really brings this world to life. The setting of Corsica is beautifully described and provides not only a view of the island, but also delves into its culture and history.
The reader has a front-row pass into Margot’s world. Her thoughts, feelings, and past flow beautifully through the prose, and more often than not, feel eerily familiar. To me, Margot is a living, breathing entity, one I could easily relate to.
Ultimately, Margot is a quick and beautiful read that will leave an imprint on your mind. Highly recommended.
February 25, 2019
I read Margot over the course of a week and it started out with such gentle, gorgeous language I was almost surprised when the twists and turns of Margot's story happened. The Corsican atmosphere remains strong throughout...it's quite an intimate story. You're almost there with Margot as she's tucking into a baguette or soaking up the sun. You can hear the songs on her playlist, I almost feel like I know the sound of her voice. There's a lot of emotion in this story...it really kept surprising me. This is a must read for art, philosophy and music lovers, those who appreciate expert turns of phrase and deep, intimate atmosphere. Bravo.
May 14, 2018
Perhaps Margot is a novel, but perhaps it is only a daydream of Sappho's, the quiet reflection of a poet lying half-awake in the sun on the edge of a Corsican shore. Just when I thought I understood where the sea-current was carrying the weight of the plot, the sun drifted behind the clouds, shadows moved on the water, and the tide shifted. Margot works a disturbing quietude and a quiet disturbance on the reader, as all art should.
July 26, 2018
Margot by Lisa De Castro is a beautifully written book. It brings to life the Corsican island and the treasures it contains. Margot's 'finding herself' holiday brings her many pleasures and revives long memories.
An emotional story told with great skill and panache, which was a delight to read.
An emotional story told with great skill and panache, which was a delight to read.
July 29, 2022
A short read that really tugs at your heartstrings. I thoroughly enjoyed Lisa’s novella and look forward to reading more from this talented writer.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews