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A Novel
by Ariel Lawhon
Book Reviewed by: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.
Maine, 1789: The Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice. Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As the local midwife and healer, Martha is good at keeping secrets. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, every murder and debacle that unfolds in the town of Hallowell. In that diary she also documented the details of an alleged rape that occurred four months earlier. Now, one of the men accused of that heinous attack has been found dead in the ice.
While Martha is certain she knows what happened the night of the assault, she suspects that the two crimes are linked, and that there is more to both cases than meets the eye. Over the course of one long, hard winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha's diary lands at the center of the scandal and threatens to tear both her family and her community apart.
In her newest offering, Ariel Lawhon brings to life a brave and compassionate unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice on behalf of those no one else would protect. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story of a remarkable woman who had the courage to take a stand, and in the process wrote herself into American history.
A HANGING
I
November 1789
"Truth will come to light; murder cannot be hid long."
—William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
WHAT'S PAST IS PROLOGUE
The body floats downstream. But it is late November, and the Kennebec River is starting to freeze, large chunks of ice swirling and tumbling through the water, collecting in mounds while clear, cold, fingers of ice stretch out from either bank, reaching into the current, grabbing hold of all that passes by. Already weighted down by soaked clothing and heavy leather boots, the dead man bobs in the ebbing current, unseeing eyes staring at the waning crescent moon.
It is a miserable night with bitter wind and numbing frost and the slower the river moves, the quicker it freezes, trapping him in its sluggish grip, as folds of his homespun linen shirt are thrown out like petals of a wilted, brown tulip. Just an hour ago his hair was combed and pulled back, tied with a strip of lace. He'd taken the lace, of course, and it is possible—fate...
What are you reading this week? (3/20/2025)
Currently reading The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon with my book club; really enjoying it. Just finished Women Talking by Miriam Toews for a book discussion at a nearby library; still trying to process...
-Lana_Maskus
Martha thinks, “The joy of having sons is that they worship their mothers. Until one day, suddenly, they don’t” (p. 202). What did you think of this statement? Do you agree?
That statement is so true…in many cases. I know my son loves me …but wife and children come first. As I think it should. The line made ne chuckle.
-Kathy_S
Overall, what did you think of The Frozen River? (no spoilers, please!)
This was a winner for me. Strong historical fiction with fully developed characters. I enjoyed learning about Martha Ballard. My book club had a great discussion about women, medicine and the difficulties of life at that time.
-Dee_Driscole
Mrs. Hendricks lies to Martha to secure her help with Melody Page's delivery. Martha assists but berates Melody’s husband afterwards. What did you think of this scene and her “payment” demand (p. 299)? What would you have done in her shoes?
The scene is a powerful moment that highlights Martha's moral compass, sense of justice, and unwillingness to let people suffer due to others' negligence or cruelty. Mrs. Hendricks tricks Martha into helping by deceiving her about the situation. That puts Martha in an ethical dilemma. Martha acts...
-Karen_M
Martha and her daughters spend much of the novel immersed in everyday household labor such as making candles, baking bread, weaving, and killing chickens. Were there any 1780s tasks you've tried or would be interested to try for yourself?
I was fortunate to have lived in the Detroit suburbs not far from the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. Many of these skills were taught with experts using tools, equipment, and techniques of times past. Bees wax candles, herb lotions and soaps, woodworking and tin kitchen tools are examp...
-Nancy_S1
When did you discover the novel is based on a true story? Did it change your opinion of the work, or how you approached it? What did you think of the points at which the author deviated from history?
...from history provided drama and tension. This is the second historical novel I've read recently that was based on a true story. With the other novel, The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, I knew prior to reading that it was based on a true story, but knowing before also did not change my opinion or approach, but I am interested to dis...
-Karen_Belyea
If The Frozen River was adapted for film or television, who would you cast in the leading roles? Are there any components of the story you think would be especially striking to see acted out on screen?
She would certainly be the best character to act out defeat the monster.!
-Christie_C
Throughout the novel, Martha is frequently called to deliver babies from women of all walks of life. Which laboring mother did you feel most connected to? Have you or anyone you know delivered a child with the assistance of a midwife?
My mother was a county doctors helper / and midwife in the early 30s and participated many in births. She never talked details, but when I was growing up many people told me my mother delivered them or there children. it seems to be growing preference these days. I think the youngest girls in Fro...
-Christie_C
Did you read the author's note? If so, did it change your evaluation of Martha's life and the story of the "year of the long winter"?
I always read the author's notes and especially so in this book. Having read Floght of Dreams and heard interviews with her, I was aware of her attention to details and bringing history to life. I had heard of the main character of this book and was excited to read it. Thank you for this opportun...
-Susan_B
Much of the novel's action focuses on the legal process surrounding Rebecca Forster's assault and Martha's testimony. Were you surprised at the way the judicial process unfolded? How do you think Rebecca's story would have been received today?
I agree. The totally male dominated society of that time did not listen to female objections.
-Colleen_A
Martha's final confrontation with North has lasting consequences for both of them. Do you think justice was done? What about as regards Rebecca's assault and Burgess's killing? Would you have made the same choice as Martha?
I agree justice was done to a degree, North was an evil man.
-Patricia_Bailey
Is there a quote or scene in The Frozen River that stood out for you? Why do you suppose it resonated?
"And then I cry. Mostly for Rebecca and the tiny, unwanted beating heart deep within her womb. But also for myself. And our daughters. And for every other woman who lives, suffers and dies by the mercurial whims of men." Martha is reflecting on the injustices against women.
-Patricia_Bailey
Experts are few and far between in Hallowell, making Martha and Doctor's medical knowledge all the more important, and making Page's poor advice especially dangerous. Would you have acted differently in Martha's place to warn others about Page?
Unfortunately, during that time, I feel a male doctor would be more revered than a female midwife. Although Martha had such knowledge and experience, she was lacking the formal education which made her secondary.
-Patricia_Bailey
The Ballards are an incredibly closeknit family—did you have a favorite character among Martha and Ephraim's brood? Was there a relationship between one of Martha's children and their suitors that you were particularly cheering for?
I was on Team Cyrus, I so wanted for him to find love and true companionship.
-Patricia_Bailey
"Memory ... warps and twists. But paper and ink receive the truth without emotion, and they read it back without partiality." (p 39) Do you agree with this quote? Have you ever kept a diary? If not, did reading The Frozen River influence you to start?
Journaling can be an important tool for some folks. I have personally thought about it, might do it a few days, then I lose interest. I did like how Martha documented so much in her life.
-Patricia_Bailey
Why does Martha take a particular interest in protecting Tempest (the fox) from trappers?
To me, Tempest was symbolic of Martha's independence. She was unique, brave and strong willed…
-Patricia_Bailey
What audience would you recommend The Frozen River to? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
The book group I currently moderate prefer historical fiction, so I would definitely want to discuss this novel with the group. With so many novels set around WWII, it's nice to have novels that cover a different time in history. I agree any age from young adults on up would enjoy this novel. Kri...
-Patricia_Bailey
Martha discusses the French-Indian War with Mr. Coleman and learns of his wife’s death. She thinks to herself, “History is written by the men who live. Not the ones who die” (p. 305). Do you agree with her? Has this changed at all since her day?
Marcia hit the nail on the head with her answer.
-Patricia_Bailey
How did life in Hallowell in 1789 surprise you? Did the characters act as you expected for the historical period? What revelations were most interesting to you? How does our contemporary notion of the American dream apply to these characters?
After reading other historical fiction novels set in that time frame, the life in Hallowell did not surprise me. Women were second class citizens regardless of their knowledge, personality or abilities. Martha was definitely a woman ahead of her time.
-Patricia_Bailey
Sally and Sarah are set up in opposition to each other throughout the novel, and Martha guesses incorrectly about each of their futures. Did you see those plot twists coming? Would you have acted differently toward either woman?
The differences in both of the women allowed for a twist in the paths, which I did not forecast. Martha was made from rough stock and I think she wanted to see integrity in both of them.
-Patricia_Bailey
What did you think of the way Martha and Ephraim's past is revealed in the interstitial chapters? What did those glimpses of their earlier years reveal about them as the 1789 story unfolded? Which moments in their love story struck you most deeply?
The way in which Marth and Ephraim story unfolded, allows us a reader to better understand their relationship. Their history runs deep and enriches their love and support of one another.
-Patricia_Bailey
In discussing courtship and marriage, Ephraim tells Martha, “Any man worth his salt knows it’s a woman who does the choosing.” Do you think this is borne out in most marriages? Has this changed at all over time, in your opinion?
In my opinion, women tend to be a stronger judge of character than men. Even though marriages and partnerships have changed over the generations, I feel women juggle much more and have the abilities to out perform men in many ways, especially child rearing, and running a household while working a...
-Patricia_Bailey
Martha says the townspeople dislike her. Ephraim disagrees: "They respect you. Perhaps occasionally fear you. It's not the same thing." (p 56) Do you agree with his assessment? Is it always better to be honest than it is to be well-liked?
Welcome to the BookBrowse community, Carol! :blush:
-Sunny
Reminder messages
Me too and wondered what was going on. :slight_smile:
-Elizabeth
What book or books are you reading this week? (01/09/2025)
Just finishing listening to and reading "Code Name Helene" by Ariel Lawhon, author of "Frozen River" one of my favorite books of 2024. This is a great story of a true life heroine who works with the French resistance and becomes a leader. I highly recommend. I have also been reading Louise Penny'...
-Susan_C
What are your reading this week? (12-19-2024)
I finished up The Briar Club by Kate Quinn and I just started The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, which my local library book group is discussing next month.
-Diane_Jones
What are some books you loved reading in 2024?
My favorite books in 2024: The Unfinished Love Story, Doris Kearns Goodwin The House of Doors, Tan Rwan Eng The Anomaly, Hervé Le Tellier Master Slave Husband Wife, Ilyon Woo The Frozen River, Ariel Lawhon Thank you for sharing your lists. It will be good reference for my bookclubs.
-Micheline_Heckler
Which authors should we interview?
Nick, I recently zoomed an author event with Ariel Lawhon discussing The Frozen River. She was amazing and fun. I think she would be a good choice especially since we will be doing a book club discussion with her book.
-Paula_Walters
About the The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon category
Please join BookBrowse in our book club discussion of The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon.
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BookBrowse Awards
2024
Martha's stories of attending births and delivering babies are some of the best scenes, allowing Lawhon to demonstrate her talent for capturing dramatic events while also developing full, well-rounded characters, even when they only appear for a few pages. The Frozen River is Martha Ballard's story, developed down to the finest details in a way that A Midwife's Tale, given its purpose as a work of academic literature and its source's brevity, could not be. For fans of historical fiction, the novel is an excellent path to A Midwife's Tale and other stories, historical or fictional, set in the late 18th century...continued
Full Review
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(Reviewed by Maria Katsulos).
Martha Ballard, the heroine of Ariel Lawhon's The Frozen River and a real-life 18th-century midwife, left behind a diary that remains one of history's best sources on midwifery in late colonial America. In addition to this work of historical fiction, Ballard is the subject of historical monographs and of a PBS special on her life. Along with Ballard, many other midwives — named and unnamed in historical records — made their mark on the colonization of America and on the development of social norms in the new country at the end of the 18th century.
From the very beginning of European colonization of the Americas, midwifery and the safe delivery of infants was a high priority for the colonists: for example, Bridget Lee Fuller ...
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