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The Frozen River

A Novel

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The Frozen River

Auteur(s): Ariel Lawhon
Narrateur(s): Jane Oppenheimer, Ariel Lawhon
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GMA BOOK CLUB PICK • 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.
Détective Femmes détectives Fiction Fiction féminine Historique Suspense Crime Effrayant Intéressant Sage-femme
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Historical fiction is my favourite genre and this book ticks all the boxes: well researched, well written, strong characters, feels authentic for the setting and time period, interesting story. There were a few things that didn't quite ring true, notably how quickly the river froze over, which seems unlikely, but I could be wrong. I saw a few reviews that contended that the 'feminism' issues were over the top. I found the condescension by some of the male characters completely credible; men held most of the power. Things have progressed in this area a great deal in the last 30 years and this story took place almost 300 years ago. Martha Ballard must have been an extraordinary woman and I am grateful to have been introduced to her. Many thanks to the author, Ariel Lawhon, for writing her story, and for her lengthy and informative "note" at the end of the book. I loved the way that she weaves interesting detail into The Frozen River that enriches the story and provides interesting historical context.

A great listen!

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I quickly became drawn to the FMC, Martha, due to her intelligence, courage, perseverance and empathy. The setting highlighted the absolute lack of rights and autonomy women had in the 1700’s. I also adored how Martha advocated for and supported other women, even when her reputation and character was criticized and her livelihood threatened. Her journal provided important pieces of evidence but also helped to illustrate her personal and professional journey, adding depth to the storyline and challenges she experienced, the fragility of human life, and provided glimpses into the real-life Martha Ballard.

As a woman, I cringed, cried, and swore numerous times when Martha came up against many of the men in her community, but especially Joseph North and Benjamin Page. This book solidified the fact that if I was around in 1789, I would have been killed for my sassy, feminist attitude and absolute distain for male arrogance, hubris, double standards and unethical authority.

I’m not usually a historical fiction reader, but I read this as a part of a (local mamas) book club that I’m in. I found it slow at times, but the murder mystery plotline kept me motivated to move forward. I also think the story would have benefitted from additional POVs from other characters, such as Martha’s husband, Ephraim, whose acceptance and adoration for his wife’s (feminist) choices seemed a little unrealistic for 1789. Grab this book if you enjoy historical fiction, dual timelines, and murder mystery, and make sure you read the author’s note at the end.

A compelling historical mystery

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very good story. And the era was really authentic sounding. plus a good job narrating

I really enjoyed this book

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Maybe it was the narrator that put me off, or Martha being portrayed as the beacon of righteousness and all knowledge, but honestly this story fell flat when it should've been compelling. It ended up being so one sided who was good and bad that it was unbelievable.

Not enthralled

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It's only January, yet I feel I've already discovered what will be my favorite book of 2024. This is one power house of a novel.
Do you like historical fiction? You’ll learn of the early American judicial system and the place of women in the society of the 1700s, how to make a quill pen, how to harvest a chicken, childbirth pre-modern medicine, transport by horse and foot, and so much more.
Do you like a bit of romance? You’ll enjoy reading of the 35-year love affair between Martha and Ephraim.
How about mystery? You’ll want to know who killed Joshua Burgess and why.
Do you enjoy audio books? The audio version has an incredible narrator. I really feel like it was Martha telling her own story.

I enjoyed every aspect of this novel.

My Book of the Year

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