The Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick
A Novel
By: 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.
AI Overview
Book Overview: "The Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick" by Ariel Lawhon
Key Themes
- Puritan Shame Culture and Gender Oppression: The novel explores the rigid societal norms and gender roles prevalent in 18th-century Maine, where women were often marginalized and powerless.
- The Courtroom as a Theatrical Spectacle: The book highlights the injustices and biases within the legal system, particularly how women were excluded from testifying in court and how the male-dominated judiciary could be corrupt.
- Familial Loyalty in the Face of Suspicion: Martha Ballard must navigate her family's involvement in the crimes and the community's suspicions, all while maintaining her integrity and commitment to justice.
Plot Summary
Set in 1789 Maine, the story revolves around Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife who investigates two crimes: a murder and a rape. The novel is inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, as recorded in her journal and documented in Laura Thatcher Ulrich’s biography "A Midwife’s Tale" (1990).
- Inciting Incident: A man is found entombed in the frozen Kennebec River, and Martha is summoned to examine the body and determine the cause of death. The victim is accused of rape, which Martha had documented in her diary months earlier.
- Conflict: A local physician, Page, disputes Martha's conclusion, declaring the death an accident. This leads Martha to investigate the murder on her own, despite the societal and legal obstacles.
- Plot Twists: As Martha delves deeper into the case, she uncovers secrets and lies within the community. Key plot points include the revelation of a bloody rope used by Sam Dawin to save himself from the icy water, and the unexpected pregnancy of Rebecca Foster, who was raped by one of the town's respected gentlemen.
- Climax: Martha confronts Jonathan about his new child and uses the opportunity to question him about the day Sam was rescued. She also faces a personal threat from the corrupt judge, North, who intends to rape her as retribution for her investigation.
- Resolution: Martha's bravery and determination lead her to defend herself against North, chopping off his penis with one of Ephraim’s woodworking blades. The novel concludes with Martha's continued fight for justice and her unwavering commitment to her community.
Critical Reception
"The Frozen River" has received widespread critical acclaim for its gripping narrative, vivid historical detail, and strong female protagonist.
Praise from Reviewers:
- NPR: "Compelling...a most uncozy mystery that addresses the unbalanced power dynamics of men and women, rich and poor."
- Washington Post: "Fans of 'Outlander’s' Claire Fraser will enjoy Lawhon’s Martha, who is brave and outspoken when it comes to protecting the innocent...impressive."
- Shelf Awareness: "A riveting story of small-town justice and a fitting tribute to a quiet, determined heroine."
- Publishers Weekly: "The stirring story of one woman’s quest for justice...Lawhon combines modern prose with the immediacy of her source material, making for an accessible and textured narrative."
Book Club Selections:
- The novel was selected as a GMA Book Club Pick, indicating its popularity and appeal to book clubs.
- It has also been praised by authors like Lauren Belfer, who noted that the novel was "so vivid, so textured and multilayered" that it felt like entering post-revolutionary America.
Overall, "The Frozen River" is a gripping historical mystery that explores themes of justice, gender oppression, and familial loyalty in 18th-century Maine, all through the lens of a remarkable and determined heroine.