The Frozen River

A Novel

De: Ariel Lawhon

Narrado por: Jane Oppenheimer, Ariel Lawhon

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.

©2023 Ariel Lawhon (P)2023 Random House Audio

Incredible journey with outstanding narration!

Preface: I am generally too lazy to write reviews!
As women of the 21st century, we have all but forgotten those courageous, strong, resilient women who paved the way for the choices that we make so freely today. This author carried me through a journey of compassion, frustration, humor, hatred, love and all emotions in between with a woman I would have loved to know and call friend. All the while the author captured me with her words to make me feel the cold as if I were there, and found myself laughing out loud. As an animal lover, I appreciated the connection to animals. Some aspects of the story made me wonder at the mysteries of animals and their ability to understand more about our human world than most would believe, (I happen to be a believer!).
All in all, this is a MUST READ that I almost passed by due to one prudish reviewer that obviously didn’t get that it is a work of FICTION based upon an incredible historical figure. Don’t pass this one by.

I love this author

airel lawhon does wonderful historical fiction. I have read 5 of here works, all are 5 star reads. this one is my favorite.

Great narrative rooted in important history

Incredible based-on-historical people and events but fictional story. Stunned by the ending - oh so wonderful. And do not skip the author’s note afterwards; it gives even more depth to the significance of this story in our women’s and medical history.

i'm neutral on this

I don't have any complaints or good things to say here, its an intresting story, I just didn't connect with anyone during it that fully invested me into the story. I do love historical fiction so thats what drew me to this the most, i dont regret listening to it, but I don't have enough to recommend it to someone else.

Love and courage

The courage, steadfast love and integrity of the couple at the heart of this book are inspiring.

The strength of character of Martha Ballad and her family.

The reminder that women have always taken a lower standard in history. Martha Ballard and her family were rare pioneers in integrity and intelligence.

The best story!

Beautifully and intelligently written. It captures you from the start. The main character is complex and draws you into the tale.

I enjoyed the history of the book

This book was historically accurate, I very much enjoyed the listen. The narrator was excellent.

The bravery.

What stands out to me after finishing this book, is the bravery of not just one woman but rather many women during such difficult times. The book explains in a vivid color of words and descriptions of events which draw the reader in and holds you tight throughout the entire book. I would’ve loved to have known Martha the midwife.

gripping story

I liked the relationship between Martha & her husband, very romantic. Enjoyed the picture of life in the world back then.