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.

I, too, am at home…

I absolutely loved the story of Martha Ballard’s life. I loved the writing, the characters, the time period descriptions and the work that Martha did. As an OB nurse I found her description of various birth situations absolutely spot on. The early court system in our country was also fascinating. Just a beautiful read for the winter. This moves right into one of my Top Ten favorite books of 2023. Do not read the Author’s notes before enjoying the novel!!!

Excellent

I really loved this book. It’s a great story and very entertaining. The narrator did a fantastic job. Overall fantastic!

Very Rare 5 Star Review

What a wonderful story about a woman who practices midwifery along with other things such as mother, wife, grandmother, friend, and a pillar to the community that she serves. Well written, thought-provoking, and great research the author has done leading you through what almost feels like a true story. I would highly recommend this book. Do not just those who love historical fiction but anyone who may be passionate or compassionate about the 18th century and how our states were formed along with the politics involved.

I loved this book!

I enjoyed this book so much. It was a good clean book and was an easy listen. The narrator was really good too and she convinced you she was the character. It kept me locked in the whole way. I would recommend it.

Not many books written in this era and perspective

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. A nice look into the late 1700’s in America from a women’s perspective. The murder mystery is entertaining. It’s also a heavy book, working through how rape, crime, medicine and the legal systems did and didn’t work at that time.