The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

This biographical history based on the actual diary of Martha Ballard is intricately plotted, peopled with very real characters, some lovable and some despicable. Lawhon’s writing is picturesque, lovely to read, compelling in pushing the story forward. Loved this novel from beginning to end. I didn’t want it to end, and kept setting it aside so I wouldn’t race through it too fast. Ballard’s surroundings and experiences are are described so effectively they are tangible, so real that the flavor of life on the Kennebec River in the mid-1700s becomes very understandable, very “contemporary.” We are allowed to live Martha Ballard’s life. This is great writing! We are invited inside a woman’s head during this journey, to assess and experience the frequency with which 18th century women are the victims of sexual assault, by men who go scot-free. Lawhon has done an exceptional job of imputing the details and intricacies of Bsllard’s life by using her diary as the base document. An amazing feat.

I would recommend this book to everyone. Our book ga e it its highest rating ever. Everyone loved it. Easy read. Loved the strong characters.

The author has written a story of life that feels real, tragic and yet complete with truth. I enjoyed the character development as the story progressed. I highly recommend it.

A well written novel that keeps the reader interested throughout. The characters are engaging, believable and real. Thoroughly enjoyable. A treat.

Martha Ballard….how I will miss you. I absolutely love the way Ariel wrote Martha’s character. This book is going to be one that I reread, and when I do, it’ll be because I miss Martha and want to spend time with her. ❤️
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This story begins with the body of a man being found frozen in the Kennebec River in 1700s Maine. Martha Ballard, a midwife, is summoned to inspect the body and declares the man has been murdered. The man?….. one of 2 alleged of raping a married woman, Rebecca Foster. We are carried through the story by our desire to find out who committed the murder, and if Rebecca will receive justice through the legal system during a time women had few rights. Along the way, we get a beautifully crafted look into day-to-day, small town life in 1700s America, social inequalities, motherhood, and childbearing, with Martha Ballard’s journal entries being at the heart of this story.
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There is no denying an incredible amount of research preceded this book. The realities of that time are wonderfully depicted. The hardships and prejudices. It causes one to take pause and consider what life was like for people back in that time, especially women, leaving you thankful for how things have changed. However, it also makes you consider what hasn’t changed as much as you’d expect.
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Again, I could not get enough of Martha. She is strong and bold FMC. I admired her courage and intellect. I also admired how she stood up for women, herself included, and fought to give them all a voice when women had none.🥰 She is a remarkable woman and such an inspiration!!
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I enjoyed seeing glimpses of her and Ephraim’s love story throughout the years. Ephraim was endearing. It’s hard not to love him….for the man he was, the husband he was… and the provider he was. I enjoyed their family and life together.
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I highly recommend this book! I did find myself losing track of who some people were, and it was a slower pace for a mystery. But this book embedded itself into my heart, so I have to give it 5🌟. Don’t skip the author’s note! This was my first Ariel Lawhon read, but it will not be my last.