By: Ariel Lawhorn
Goodreads description:
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.
Helen says: 🤓🤓🤓🤓
This book was captivating! I plowed through it. It would make a terrific movie. I would cast Frances McDormand to play the tough midwife named Martha. There was a really gruesome ending- definitely memorable! My only criticism was their light hearted jokey-ness and modern use of the English language. I think life would have been a lot more serious back then, and that “prithee” would have been a staple in their vernacular. Alas, I don’t want to put ideas in your mind because it really was a fantastic book.
Holly says: 🤓🤓🤓🤓
I really liked this book! Talk about a super strong woman (and not always in a good way), Martha Ballard sure is that! Don’t mess with Martha! Almost none of the reviews make much reference to her husband, Ephraim, but he is the best. In this book, it’s Martha’s way or the highway, but the trip is well worth the read.
Helen and Holly Hit the Books 