Name: The Frozen River
Rating: 4 (17 reviews)
ISBN: 9780385546874

Ariel Lawhon

"A gripping historical mystery based on the real-life diary entries of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife who found herself at the center of a murder trial"--

A Novel

The Frozen River

Zachary Roberts

I do not stay to hear some ridiculous complaint one neighbor might have against another for taking the Lord's name in vain. Truth be told, I am more than a little tempted to do so myself.

It hurts. Every year it hurts when I do this, but to forget would be the greater injury. 

I cannot say why it is so important that I make this daily record. Perhaps because I have been doing so for years on end? Or maybe if I am being honest--it is because these markings of ink and paper will one day be the only proof that I have existed in this world. That I lived and breathed. That I loved a man and the many children he gave me. It is not that I want to be remembered, per se. I have done nothing remarkable. Not by the standards of history, at least. But I am here. And these words are the mark I will leave behind. So yes, it matters that I continue this ritual.

I ddint enjoy it much the pacing was boring and didnt catch or keep my attention throughout, id say it was 30 to 50 percent interesting 

david Zhang

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.

I love that this book has a strong FMC and that it is based on an actual person in the 1700s. She is fierce, assertive, smart, capable and determined whilst also remaining kind, generous and caring. The misogyny is appalling. This book did really well to capture the injustice and pain women are subjected to on a daily basis. It's unfortunately still applicable to contemporary times.

Saffia

Took some time to get into and seemed like a lot of extraneous characters got a lot of time allotted for no reason. But overall enjoyed and ended well with an appropriate amount of revenge for all of the wrongdoings. Felt like rage bait a lot (North, Dr Page, etc) so was difficult to read at points. Also felt like a lot of not needed info about her and her husbands sex life. Authors note was also interesting to hear.

Paige Paul

Can’t come up with the words to describe how good this book is

Miranda Hall

this was interesting! especially since this was based on real events 

taylor

Very interesting history context, and the main female character is well developed. Unfortunately the bad guy is really too unidimensional. 

Barbara

very immersive and wide-reaching... the length & depth of this book was at times overwhelming, but it really does an excellent job of sharing women's stories & perspective from this time. 

there were a TON of characters and some things felt repetitive but the main arc of the story was strong & the ending was satisfying. 

claire

very immersive and wide-reaching... the length & depth of this book was at times overwhelming, but it really does an excellent job of sharing women's stories & perspective from this time. 

there were a TON of characters and some things felt repetitive but the main arc of the story was strong & the ending was satisfying. 

Definitely interesting. Took me over three weeks to finish (because life). So maybe that’s why some aspects seem random and disconnected? Didn’t understand the fox situation, but maybe if I think about it more it will make more sense. It also felt like there were too many characters to keep up with, as well as their relevance. But again, probably because I read it so spread out. I wish I could go back and read it in a shorter period of time. But overall was an enjoyable read and kept my interest! I liked it. 

Alexandria Ferley

This story of Martha Ballard, a midwife who lived in the late eighteenth century and delivered over 1000 babies, is utterly captivating. The writing is exquisite, with the perfect plot and character development blend. If this doesn't make a best-of list of my books read in 2024, I will be shocked. 

The Frozen River A Novel

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