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
“Memory is a wicked thing that warps and twists” (39).
“Time is a thing we feel, and our days are ordered accordingly “ (42).
“You’ve been reading Shakespeare again” . . . “I like the way he delivers an insult” (89).
“That clay-brained guts, that knotty-pated fool, that whoreson, obscene, greasy tallow-catch” (89).
“The joy of having sons is that they worship their mothers. Until they don’t” (202).
“Then that boy — once small and sweet — begins the long, hard process of separation, until at last he rips the seam. But the holes where mother and son were once knit together remain” (202).
“How many worries would you have me carry today, love?” (318).
“. . . because wisdom is not a thing you can acquire for your children” (357).
Loved this one! Historical fiction done right. So many characters but Lawhon makes them all accessible and memorable! Loved Martha Ballard and so happy to know about her.
"History is written by the men who live not the ones who have died."
"The Frozen River" by Ariel Lawhon is a striking piece of historical fiction that draws inspiration from the life of midwife Martha Ballard. The author masterfully creates an atmosphere charged with tension while navigating the heavy themes of rape, death, and heavily biased court system in the late 1700s.
Martha Ballard emerges as a compelling female protagonist in a time when women's voices were often silenced, embodying strength and resilience throughout her journey. The vivid imagery and authentic vernacular enhance the storytelling, transporting readers to the era and immersing them fully in Martha's world.
I appreciate a strong female lead, and Lawhon skillfully combines elements of suspense and historical detail to create a captivating narrative. For those who enjoy gripping tales infused with historical context, "The Frozen River" is a standout read that beautifully showcases the triumphs and struggles of its characters. It perfectly blends my love for suspense with the richness of historical fiction. Highly recommended!
Pretty interesting and dramatic to read. Not fond of the narrator’s parenting style, or violent inner thoughts and rationalisations. Fun to read and judge though.
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