The Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GMA BOOK CLUB PICK • AN NPR BOOK OF THE YEAR • From the New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia and Code Name Hélène comes a gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history.
"Fans of Outlander’s Claire Fraser will enjoy Lawhon’s Martha, who is brave and outspoken when it comes to protecting the innocent. . . impressive."—The Washington Post
"Once again, Lawhon works storytelling magic with a real-life heroine." —People Magazine
Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.
Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.
Clever, layered, and subversive, Ariel Lawhon’s newest offering introduces an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story about a remarkable woman who left an unparalleled legacy yet remains nearly forgotten to this day.
"Fans of Outlander’s Claire Fraser will enjoy Lawhon’s Martha, who is brave and outspoken when it comes to protecting the innocent. . . impressive."—The Washington Post
"Once again, Lawhon works storytelling magic with a real-life heroine." —People Magazine
Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.
Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.
Clever, layered, and subversive, Ariel Lawhon’s newest offering introduces an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story about a remarkable woman who left an unparalleled legacy yet remains nearly forgotten to this day.
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Community Reviews
thenextgoodbook.com
What’s it about?
Ariel Lawhorn brings 1789 Maine to life in this work of historical fiction. Martha Ballard was a midwife in Maine in the late 1700s. She kept a daily record of her life and Ariel Lawhorn uses this record to create a story of what might have happened during one cold winter in 1789 when the crime of rape was alleged. Being a midwife and healer meant Martha was privy to many of the town’s secrets and Lawhorn uses this fact to create the story.
What did it make me think about?
The historical imbalance of power between men and women.
Should I read it?
Well, this was just an excellent work of historical fiction. I walked away with a much better idea of what life was like in our country’s early years. The Ballard family made for a great cast of characters to illuminate life in the 1700s. I read this one for book club and I can not wait to hear everyone’s take on a few details… Pick this one up!
Quote-
“Rape is a capital offense in the States, punishable by hanging. But in all my five decades, I have seen only one man dangle at the end of a rope for that crime. It is nearly impossible to prove, and, until lately, most men caught doing so were dispatched before the courts could be involved. The recent War of Independence and the subsequent ratification of the Constitution has put a basic framework of laws in place to deal with such transgressions. There is more of a deterrent now to keep an aggrieved father or brother from taking justice into his own hands.”
What’s it about?
Ariel Lawhorn brings 1789 Maine to life in this work of historical fiction. Martha Ballard was a midwife in Maine in the late 1700s. She kept a daily record of her life and Ariel Lawhorn uses this record to create a story of what might have happened during one cold winter in 1789 when the crime of rape was alleged. Being a midwife and healer meant Martha was privy to many of the town’s secrets and Lawhorn uses this fact to create the story.
What did it make me think about?
The historical imbalance of power between men and women.
Should I read it?
Well, this was just an excellent work of historical fiction. I walked away with a much better idea of what life was like in our country’s early years. The Ballard family made for a great cast of characters to illuminate life in the 1700s. I read this one for book club and I can not wait to hear everyone’s take on a few details… Pick this one up!
Quote-
“Rape is a capital offense in the States, punishable by hanging. But in all my five decades, I have seen only one man dangle at the end of a rope for that crime. It is nearly impossible to prove, and, until lately, most men caught doing so were dispatched before the courts could be involved. The recent War of Independence and the subsequent ratification of the Constitution has put a basic framework of laws in place to deal with such transgressions. There is more of a deterrent now to keep an aggrieved father or brother from taking justice into his own hands.”
This was the April Book Club pick at my work and it's not the type of story I would have ever picked up on my own. But I did enjoy it. I loved the authenticity of the history, even though women had it so rough back then. And I loved the mystery throughout. Idk if I'd willingly dive into this genre again on my own but it was an interesting read and kept me engaged.
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