THE FROZEN RIVER
by Ariel Lawhon
Wow! Huge thanks to my friend Pam who gave me The Frozen River as a gift. It is one of the best historical novels I have ever read. I had never heard of Ariel Lawhon until now, but am already on the hunt for all of her previous books. Set in Hallowell, Maine in 1789, The Frozen River tells the story of Martha Ballard, a remarkable midwife who delivers many of the babies in Hallowell. She must also serve as an expert witness in some legal proceedings held in the town, including testifying to what she believes is the cause of death of a young man found frozen in the Kennebec River.
A devoted wife and mother of several adult children, Martha keeps a thorough daily journal which includes every birth she has ever attended. She writes additional important information in the journal such as her evaluation of the cause of death of the frozen young man, as well as documentation of a young woman’s rape by two highly esteemed townsmen. Called to testify in town-meeting types of trials, she is discredited in both cases because she is a woman. Never one to admit defeat, Martha continues to investigate both cases on her own. Ariel Lawhon has created a beautifully layered story which shows the many dimensions of Martha, including devotion to her husband and children, as well as a quest to find justice. The scenes where she delivers various women’s children are both gripping and testaments to how women support each other in critical times of life and death.
Lawhon builds and builds Martha’s story—including the mysteries of the above-mentioned crimes—to a climax that you will never forget. And when you have finally caught your breath at the end of the book, she provides one of the most surprising author’s notes sections I have ever read. (She does warn the reader not to read it until after they’ve read the book as it contains many “spoilers.”). My Bates Boston Alumna Book Club recently read The Frozen River and it was ranked as high as any book I can remember. Enjoy! (Liz)
A SECOND HELPING
By the time I got around to reading The Frozen River it had been recommended to me by at least seven people. I guess my friends and family know what I like because this was definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read in a long time. Impeccably researched historical fiction with a smart and passionate female lead who is challenging the expectations of her gender–what more could I ask for? Oh, right! Lawhon has written a riveting story with mystery, drama and enough compassion that even the violence didn’t turn me off. If you haven’t read this yet, you must! (Lily)
