When it comes to selecting books my mom would love, The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon immediately comes to mind. This historical fiction gem is a beautifully woven tapestry of resilience, mystery, and the enduring strength of women. Set against the stark, icy backdrop of a colonial New England winter, Lawhon’s narrative captures the complexities of survival and justice in a time when every choice carried immense weight. It’s the kind of book that not only entertains but also sparks meaningful conversations—perfect for a cozy evening of shared reading and discussion.
Title: The Frozen River
By: Ariel Lawhon
Genre: Historical
Pages: 432
Release Date: December 5th, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:
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.
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.
Review:
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is a masterful blend of historical fiction, mystery, and fierce female resilience that completely captivated me. Set against the brutal winter of 1789 in Maine, the story follows Martha Ballard, a midwife and healer, as she unravels a chilling crime that rocks her small community. Lawhon’s meticulous research and elegant prose bring both the harsh landscape and Martha’s unwavering determination to life, making her a heroine I won’t soon forget. The tension between justice and survival is palpable, and the way Lawhon weaves historical detail into a gripping narrative is nothing short of brilliant. I was utterly engrossed from start to finish—this is historical fiction at its finest. A must-read!
No comments:
Post a Comment