Author(s): Robert Whitaker

History

In the early 18th Century a group of scientists set off from France to discover the unknown land of South America in a trip that nearly ended in disaster. Scaling the 16,000 foot Peruvian Andes, the scientists faced the depravations and dangers of the rain forest wild cats, insects and vampire bats and barely ended the mission. Some went mad, others succumbed to smallpox, one was stoned to death by locals and another was killed in a bullfight. The youngest, Jean Godin, fell in love and married beautiful local girl Isabel Grameson. Nearing the end of the expedition, Godin headed out alone to ensure the passage back was safe to take his family home to France. Disaster struck as Spain and Portugal closed their territorial borders to the French and Godin found himself stranded in French Guyana, unable to return to Isabel. What followed was an extraordinary and heart rending 20 year separation that culminated with Isabel, determined to be reunited with the man she loved, setting out to find him. Thirty others set out with her and 10 horrific weeks later Isabel emerged from the Amazonian wilderness naked, alone and near starvation. The story of her journey and survival held 18th century Europe spellbound. It was a tale of endurance, female resourcefulness and a testament to the power of devotion. Author Robert Whitaker, has drawn this captivating story from the original writings of French mapmakers as well as his own retracing of Isabel's journey. It is a riveting tale rich in intrigue, scientific achievement and romance.