The Frozen River

A Novel

By: Ariel Lawhon

Narrated by: 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

Immersive and gripping story

The writing, plot and performance of this beautiful novel had me spellbound and completely immersed in Martha and the families of her community’s stories. I stayed up late into the night a few nights listening and was on the edge of my seat until the exciting and satisfying ending. Thank you Ariel Lawhon for investing your time into sharing the powerful story of Martha..in both written and spoken words.

Author and narrator EXCELLENT!

I have never said this before but this is my favorite audio book EVER! I've been a member for more than a decade. This is about a woman's strength in a man's world in the 1700's. I can't describe it but it will make you realize how much the women who went before us actually did to pave the way for us.

The narration was perfect for every character and scene.

There is a book out now, Invasion by Joshua James that uses "Virtual Voice". AI in other words. I follow Authors I like and want to read but I also follow NARRATORS who have become my favorites. What will happen to all our favorite narrators when Virtual Voice takes their jobs? Please don't let that happen!

Incredible

I love this book. This story and the tale of Martha. It’s not very often you hear a story of your own back yard. I will however say when out of towner’s write or perform about our state, and towns you might actually want to know how to pronounce where we live…it was incredibly awkward to listen to the performance repeatedly mispronounce towns in Maine only to turn around and hear the author do it too. Girl, you are clearly a gifted writer but nothing makes your work sound worse than mispronunciation. It’s not Hal o well it is Hall o well (like the space you walk down —a hall) it’s Pa lare mo not Pal mare o so strange the emphasis on this expensive journal but no emphasis of towns? Why the emphasis on or the French accent and Scottish accent but no other?

Outstanding historical fiction

Wonderful story line. Well developed characters. Great oral reading and presentation.Highly recommend this book. Will seek out the authors other writings.

Exquisite writing

Descriptions of life in Maine at that time were so realistic I wondered how Martha was able to travel to patients etc. her ability to put me in the middle of the birth scenes was extraordinary. And the tender way she was able to describe tragedies was extremely touching.

Gotta love Martha!

I really loved the historical snapshot of Martha Ballard’s life and career as a midwife. The authors note was excellent and helped me understand the truth/fiction portions of the story. Some of the story line went a little far…kind of had me rolling my eyes at the implausibility, however, it was all entertaining!

Great historical fiction!

The author did an enormous amount of research on a fascinating woman who was a midwife, a healer, a mother and an incredibly strong woman. I could not stop listening to the story. The narrator was amazing too.
I loved this book.

Great listen! Tackles a little of everything

I really enjoyed hearing this story and how it brings life to the story of Martha Ballard, what an incredible woman.

Download it now!!

This book will not disappoint! Enjoyed every minute of it and will be seeking out more books by this author.

Enlightening

It is very well written and descriptive allowing the reader to truly visualize each and every event