On a grey frosty night in the late 1700s, in Hallowell, Maine, by the banks of the Kennebec River, the dead body of a man named Joshua Burgess is found bobbing in the receding flow.
As a trusted longstanding member of the community, a local midwife and a healer, Martha Ballard has been called to have a look at the dead body and determine the cause of death. Her conclusion is that this is not an accident but a heinous murder.
A few months prior to this event, she was privy to the testimony of an alleged rape that occurred to Mrs Rebecca Foster, wife of the local priest Isaac Foster. One of Mrs Foster’s accusers responsible for this alleged rape is now the man found dead in the river.
What unfolds is the intriguing and thrilling journey into solving this horrific crime. Martha’s diary becomes crucial evidence in this case, exposing Joshua’s implication in the alleged brutal rape. The court case is heard by Joseph North, a judge at the Court of General Sessions, who seems to hold strong ties in this matter.
With a blend of excitement and deep emotions, Martha’s poignant recollections of events, conveyed a strong sense of connection to her story, making you genuinely care about her and feel like you are an integral part of her family.
Her unrelenting fight for justice had me emotionally invested right to the suspenseful ending thanks to the dramatic and soulful writing in The Frozen River.
I held this story in my heart long after reading the last page.
Reviewed by Biljana Boglevska
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ariel Lawhon is a critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction. Her novels include: THE WIFE THE MAID AND THE MISTRESS; FLIGHT OF DREAMS; I WAS ANASTASIA; CODE NAME HÉLÈNE; THE FROZEN RIVER (coming December 2023); and WHEN WE HAD WINGS (co-written with Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner).
Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have been Library Reads, One Book One County, Indie Next, Costco, Amazon Spotlight, and Book of the Month Club selections. She lives in the rolling hills outside Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and four sons. She splits her time between the grocery store and the baseball field.
“The Frozen River” is more than just a historical novel; it is a stirring exploration of justice, resilience, and the enduring battle against gender-based discrimination. Lawhon deftly blends Martha’s authentic diary entries with her own narrative, creating a seamless and textured narrative that captivates from start to finish.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon takes a uniquely maternal view on 1789 American history through the lens of a midwife. It explores violence against women, female voice in law and motherhood through touchpoints of one woman’s medical role in her community.
Impressive world building brought post-revolutionary American to life, while changing timeline helped keep pace for a successful ‘few days’ read. While I wasn’t caught by red herrings or blindsided by the reveal, I was captured by the tangle of character relationships and multi-layered story (thank you to the author for changing names for ease of tracking!). The river plot device echoed Tiffany McDaniel’s On the Savage Side, which I similarly enjoyed.
Perhaps a favourite part of reading historic fiction is the all-revealing ‘author’s note’ at the end, which demonstrates how cleverly fact and educated assumption are entwined with storytelling. Ariel Lawhon has beautifully presented a little-known area of history and its ‘unsung heroin’, crafting it into a gripping novel grounded by the familiar seasons of a river.
This was my first Ariel Lawhon read and historic, female protagonist fiction is my favourite, so I look forward to adding more to my library.
(5/5)
Well I read this book in a day – that probably says it all.
A most enjoyable read – a historical novel based on a period in the late 1700s in the newly formed USA. Based on a real woman – Martha Ballard who was a midwife and healer in her local community which was located on either side of the Kennebec River in Maine (enjoyed reading about crossing this frozen river and the impact of the changing seasons on the river and community).
Ariel paints a vivid picture of life in these times. I really liked the way she described the local community and the environment. The book painted an excellent picture of everyday life. I also loved the description of the births that she guided women through – the strength of the midwife. It is so very fortunate Martha kept her daily diary for 27 years.
The book made me reflect upon the life and role of women in those times – belonged to their menfolk and generally obedient to them. To be such a strong woman as Martha or The Doctor would have been a great challenge and very frustrating at times.
The injustice of the rape case was very saddening and thought provoking. Makes me wonder how far we have or haven’t come?
I did stray from a different genre from what I have been reading recently and was very pleased that I did. I will certainly be looking up other books by Ariel Lawhon.
Ariel Lawhon has the magic touch and knows how to compell her reader. Out of all her books she has published this is my favourite one so far. I loved this book and the way it was written, from the first page I was hooked and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The descriptions of the environment and the characters absorbed me even more and I felt like I could feel some of the emotions between Martha and her husband. Based on Martha Ballard’s real life, this story is captivating even more and set in the 1700’s making this a historical and emotional read, pulling at your heart strings and engaging you even more as the chapters continue. A very good read and I have recommended this book to my friends to read, well worth the time to sit back and absorb this book.
A compelling story about a midwife, her family and her community. Her care and her sense of justice have her making the wrongs put right. A woman of courage, wisdom and a tireless ability to care for those who need her. Definitely a woman of substance.
A book worth reading and recommending to friends.
What an amazing read! This book touched me on so many levels. It is a powerful and beautifully written novel, inspired by the true story of pioneering midwife Martha Ballard during the late 1700’s. Lawhon’s ability to craft a story from Martha’s diary entries and other historical documents and events of the time is impressive. I was drawn in from the very first page and it was hard to put down. This is a book of multiple themes, some of which are confronting and hard to read, but my overriding experience was one of reverence. So often history ignores the voices of women. Martha Ballard’s remarkable life, captured only because she was able to read and write, is a reminder of the many other courageous and strong women who have shaped our past, but of whom we will never know. This is a book that lingers with you long after you turn the last page.
This book covers a period of time of Mistress Martha Ballard, a literate midwife, wife and mother of nine. Her midwifery position affords her legal status in a time when women are literally second-class citizens.
Whilst Mistress Ballard is a real-life historical person, the author explains at the end where she has taken liberties with real life.
Mistress Ballard and her husband Ephraim are a productive working team who have experienced sadness, losing three of their children in quick succession to the plague.
The story takes the reader back to a time in history where life was hard, especially for a woman where justice may not always be served up in a courtroom.
As you read through the story, you can’t help but warm to Mistress Martha Ballard, a professional woman, mother of nine, friend to many and watcher over the mistreated.
I was immersed into the story by about page 17. I feel enlightened about a real-life woman who made a significant impact history. I simply couldn’t put this book down once I started.
Lawhon brings out the tenacity of Mistress Ballard and I am grateful I got to learn of this wonderful historical figure.
I loved this book. Ariel Lawhon is a master storyteller. This is a wonderful dedication to a little-known historical heroine. I could not put it down. I felt like I was there in Maine, 1789, watching Martha at her work.
I feel like Martha (the main character) is one of those people who you just tell everything to without knowing why, they just manage to get it out of you with a few well chosen questions.
I have not read any of Ariel Lawhon’s books before but now I will certainly be seeking out her other works.
If you love your historical fiction, then ‘The Frozen River’ will not disappoint, it is an historical mystery at its best. Make sure you read the Author’s notes at the end as they are as interesting as the story itself.
A fast-moving and intriguing tale of love, hate, lies, manipulation, and a quest for justice involving the suspected rape of one of the townsfolk and the possible murder of another. Justice may come in many forms and the manner in which this plays out is opportunistic, shocking, and definitely not what the reader is expecting! The main character, a woman of fine character, is bold, caring, honest, determined and intent on doing whatever is right, regardless of the consequences. Ariel Lawhon, the author, writes in a very descriptive manner, which ignites and excites the readers’ senses – you can literally feel, see, hear, smell and taste the contents of this novel. It’s very easy to read and very hard to put down. I highly recommend this book.
I’m so excited as have found a new Author in Ariel Lawhon and have already ordered her first novel.
Engaged from the first chapter I found it hard to put down. It just flowed so much and I loved it immensely.
My favourite thing about this book was the love between Martha and Ephraim, such devotion to each other. I also loved how Martha Ballard became a midwife and then devoted herself to the town as the midwife/healer. Her devotion and endurance to protecting her family and all who are wronged by making justice be acknowledged was amazing. She was there when others were not.
I work at a Midwifery Hospital as a Senior Administration Officer running the Ward. We talk books and we had great discussions re being a midwife now and back in 1789.
What an incredible book about an extraordinary woman. The fact that Martha Ballard was a real person makes it even more special.
There are several intertwining storylines but the author seamlessly weaves them together without compromising character development or losing pace. The richness of her writing brought to life the everyday struggles of women in such harsh times. I particularly enjoyed the fascinating insight into early medicine and midwifery.
The relationships between Martha and her husband, her children, and the women she assists are all beautifully explored. Despite the cold and wintry setting, her warmth and generosity shine through vividly.
Although the story is set in 18th century Maine, many of the themes and events still sadly resonate today. I found myself sharing Martha’s outrage at injustice. However, this is not solely a tale of women versus men; some of my favorite characters were men who were ahead of their time, supporting and encouraging the women they loved to have their own lives.
I would recommend this book for fans of engrossing historical fiction, such as Hannah Kent’s “Burial Rights”. It would be an excellent choice for book clubs.
Please note that this book contains trigger warnings for violence against women and stillbirths (not spoilers).
This novel combines two of my favourite genres – historical fiction and murder mystery – and I was hooked from the first chapter. Set during the harsh winter months of 1789 in the small town of Hallowell, Maine, Martha Ballard is the local midwife who finds herself the key witness to an alleged rape and the person called upon to examine the body of one of the perpetrators, whose body has been found in the freezing Kennebec River. The novel is written from Martha’s perspective and her position as a midwife and healer takes the reader into the homes and lives of the various townspeople, an aspect of the novel that I particularly enjoyed. Based on a real historical figure and events, this novel has been meticulously researched and is rich in details that capture the post-revolutionary period. My only minor quibble is the overly idealized relationship between Martha and her husband, Ephraim. While he is presented as a man well ahead of his time and completely supportive of his wife’s work and decisions, I found the dynamic between them unrealistic. Overall, this is an enjoyable novel and fans of both genres will find plenty to enjoy in this beautifully crafted story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I couldn’t put it down as I wanted to know how it would end. It takes some very interesting twists and turns along the way.
We follow Martha on her journey to bring about justice for a woman who has been raped. The justice does not come in the traditional sense but for me it certainly was justice.
I identified with all the women in labour and how great it was/is to have a midwife present who really understands what one is going through. It makes all the difference when one can trust the midwife making the whole process so much more bearable.
It also tells us what it was like for women in the 1700’s. It is very sad to read how unfairly they were treated as well as not having a voice and individual identity separate from their husbands. It made me so grateful that things have changed nowadays. Women can be very thankful for this.
An easy read which keeps you engaged till the end.
I highly recommend this book. Not having read any of Ariel Lawhon’s books before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the storyline grabbed me straight away with the discovery of a body under the ice and didn’t let go until the end.
It was set in historical fact, telling the story of Martha Ballard, an 18th century midwife and healer, who delivered all the babies in Hallowell, Maine and was the keeper of many secrets. Martha was a courageous, intelligent woman whose important job was to safely deliver new life in a frozen, hostile environment.
The story was cleverly set in a 6 month period while the Kennebec River was frozen, hence the title, and finished as it started to thaw. The harsh environment was an ever present threat to human survival in this wilderness and you get a very strong sense of that environment throughout the novel. Written in diary style, it closely followed the actual diaries of Martha Ballard, but with some licence to create a storyline that moves so well.
The book is thrilling and moves towards a stunning conclusion. Historically, you gain a strong impression of how difficult life was in the early days in America, especially in these remote parts, how hard it was to be a working woman when working was frowned upon, how women were regarded as secondary to men, the violence and the sexual assaults that were possibly common.
(5/5)
Ariel Lawhon recreates the extraordinary story of Martha Ballard, a real life midwife and healer in a small, Post Revolution, town in America. Martha Ballard kept a diary , where she wrote down all her findings of everything she did and that happened in the town.
The novel opened up an insight into Post-Revolutionary America where life was hard for the women, with its compelling characters and beauty of the land described so well. An era driven by hardship, disease, sexism, intense love and less privileges for women. Martha was a person who helped women with childbirth and fought for their well being and strives for justice. Ephraim, Martha’s husband was an absolute rock and comforter for Martha, as she dealt with daily challenges of life, death and women’s problems.
I enjoyed this book and loved the writing of Author Ariel Lawhon. A historical fiction with a mixture of romance and mystery. All historical fiction lovers will love this book as it’s just not a description of an historical event but the Author has done an excellent job at presenting the story so captivating and engaging .
(5/5)
This is the first book by Ariel Lawhon that I have read and I was drawn to it initially by the synopsis of the story line and also that it was based on the diaries of Martha Ballard. The opening sentence was an indication of just how good this writer is and I was drawn into the wonderful descriptions of the town, the river and especially, the mill.
The interweaving of the various storylines within this book were so well written and I especially enjoyed the relationships involved, not just between Martha and her patients but also her marriage which was heart warming and almost felt ahead of its time but of course, we know it wasn’t.
The writing is beautiful and at times I went back and re-read certain sentences and paragraphs, she has such a wonderful way of painting the picture of this story, time and place.
(4/5)
The Frozen River is a captivating historical fiction novel which draws us into the life of midwife Martha Ballard. Martha is both strong and gentle, she is compassionate but also a fierce protector, as a mother, wife, friend, and healer. The story is engaging, mainly revolving around a rape trial, a suspected murder and the ensuing courtroom drama, as well as Martha’s work helping the women of the town. I enjoyed the way the author weaves these threads together and also shows us glimpses into the history of Martha and her family. The writing is beautifully descriptive of the coldness of this long winter of 1789 and there is a tense, slightly ominous feeling at times. This is not a happy book, there is a lot of awful, hard things that happen but there is also the feeling of hope, love and strength through Martha. I really enjoyed reading this story (the author’s notes at the end are also a treat) and hope to read more from this author.
(4/5)
The Frozen River is superb historical fiction. I loved how Ariel Lawhon used excerpts from the real-life Martha Ballard’s diary to recreate everyday life in Hallowell, Maine in the late 1700s. As midwife, Martha has insight into the private lives of the townspeople, particularly the women whose secrets she protects. A terrible crime against one of her friends divides the town’s loyalties and also brings up memories of an attack on the younger Martha. Ephraim and Martha and their children are fantastic characters set against the backdrop of early American society, when memories of the Revolution and the French Indian war were still fresh. Once again the author has delivered a compelling story of murder, intrigue and colonial life from a woman’s perspective. Highly recommended.
(4/5)
The Frozen River is a great read as told through Martha Ballard and her family in Hallowell, Maine in the 1700’s. Martha is a Midwife and Healer who becomes intertwined in other people’s lives by assisting with labour, birth, illnesses, and deaths and helping people find justice.
Martha works hard through harsh winters and often must cross the frozen lake by horseback to attend to her community. She maintains a diary which is used for record keeping and to give evidence in court. Life in the 1700s was filled with family drama, scandals, deceit, secrets, and murder.
Ariel Lawhon manages to engage the reader as she develops the characters. She takes you through a captivating journey from start to finish. The more I read the book the more I enjoyed the read. The character development and historical elements of how life would have been like in the 1700s were very interesting. I would recommend it.
In this novel we meet Martha Ballard, a real life figure who is town a midwife and healer. Martha keeps a journal about her days and experiences including births attended and many other goings on in Hallowell, Maine, over a six month period circa 1790, which is the timespan for this story. In particular, contained in her journal we learn is a rape allegation involving two men. One man is a prominent local community member involved in the laws of the town, whilst the other man turns up dead in the frozen Kennebec River. An ensuing whodunnit mystery puts Martha smack bang in the middle due to her job as a midwife and ends up involving some of her family members. She hence sets forth to solve this mystery and protect her family as well as the women she serves.
This story is beautifully written and meticulously researched, with a highly engaging storyline, including the most vivid descriptions of the hostile, and often brutal winter environment, that puts you front and centre in the characters shoes of what life is really like for these people. Whilst wanting the mystery solved, you find yourself championing Martha, who is such a likeable, but also strong female character/heroine standing up for the women in her community. These women certainly don’t have a voice in 1790, where daily life is so incredibly hard, especially with men commonly taking what they want for themselves.
(5/5)
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is an extraordinary historical novel based on a true story about Martha Ballard, who in the 1700s in Maine, is not only a wife and mother but a mid-wife and healer who records births and deaths as well as events of her life in her diary. The author has actually used the real diaries of Martha Ballard as the basis of her story and has recreated exceptional period story that immerses the reader into the life and times of those in the town of Hallowell on the Kennebec River.
The characters are brought to life and you feel part of this community of diverse individuals. Martha and her husband Ephraim, along with their sons and daughters make up the Ballard family who are central to the story and all that unfolds. As a mid-wife we follow Martha to the births of many babies. The descriptions of the birthing in this period and the role of the mid-wife is very vivid, so much so you feel the woman’s pain but also the joy of the birth of their baby. The conditions are tough but so are the women.
Of course women’s role in society in this period was also one dominated by men and this is a central theme of the story. The attitude of most of the men and those in position of power puts women in extremely vulnerable positions – when accused of sexual assault the woman’s chances of justice is remote. The historical detail is quite extensive.
While keen to find out what happens and solve the murder of Joshua Burgess at the start of the story I didn’t want this story to come to an end as it was totally engrossing.
After reading the story I highly recommend you read the Author’s Note at the end as she provides a lot of interesting insight into her research and findings.
Highly recommend read.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from Simon & Schuster Australia via Good Reading Magazine Early Reads in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.