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The Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel
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 investigates a shocking murder that unhinges her small community.
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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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