The Frozen River: Book Review
Hi friends! Today I’m reviewing The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon!
GoodReads Rating: 4/5 stars
In Ariel Lawhon’s historical fiction novel, “The Frozen River,” readers are transported into the life of an 18th-century midwife, Martha Ballard. Lawhon weaves a gripping story following Martha’s diary, noting her work and what is happening in her community. We learn from Lawhon’s note at the end there is no historical documentation of Martha’s existence other than her entries.
The novel opens with a body found frozen in the river. Martha determines the cause of death was murder. The dead man is one of two men accused of raping a woman a few months back. Martha’s evidence could provide key evidence for the rape case. Lawhon wrote this part of the book like a suspense novel, but the structure quickly changed. I didn’t mind this, but it could be a long and slow read if you go into it expecting something more suspenseful.
“The Frozen River” is a masterful work of historical fiction that skillfully blends fact and fiction to create a gripping narrative. Through meticulous attention to detail and richly drawn characters, Lawhon brings the harrowing realities of the 18th century to life with stunning clarity. In the 18th century, women couldn’t testify in court unless a husband or father were present. They were often charged for fornication before marriage, while men had no consequences. This precedent sets the scene for a story where women fight for justice during an impossible time. Martha refuses to back down in everything she’s fighting for, and her work and determination as a midwife are fascinating to read about.
Thanks for reading!
