Review: The Frozen River

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Doubleday Books via NetGalley.

In 1789, during a harsh Maine winter, the Kennebec River freezes, preserving a man's body within the ice. Martha Ballard, the local midwife and healer, is called upon to examine the body and determine the cause of death. With her impeccable ability to keep secrets, Martha's diary is a repository of all the births, deaths, and the various mysteries that unfold in Hallowell, their small town.

Martha's diary also holds the dark details of a rape that allegedly occurred four months prior. Now, one of the men accused of that horrific crime is discovered dead in the ice. Martha, convinced she knows the truth about the assault, suspects a connection between these two cases, sensing that there's more to both stories than initially meets the eye. As the trial approaches and tensions escalate, Martha's diary takes center stage, threatening to unravel her family and community as whispers and prejudices intensify.

"The Frozen River" captivated me with its intriguing premise, drawing from the real-life diaries of Martha Ballard. This novel beautifully weaves her life story and paints a vivid picture of her character. The author's dedication to crafting a tale from the limited historical records is commendable.

Martha Ballard's character, as portrayed in the book, shines as a compelling figure, offering insightful glimpses into the hardships and challenges faced by women in her era. Her journey towards becoming a respected medical professional during a time when women's roles were severely limited is both touching and heart-wrenching.

While the book was an engrossing exploration of Martha's life, I found it a tad lengthy, and the pace made it a slow read for me. Despite my admiration for Martha's character, I wished for a more immersive connection to the narrative. The numerous characters introduced occasionally made it challenging to keep track of them.

One aspect that truly stood out was Martha's relationship with Ephraim. His progressive and loving support for her ambitions as a midwife and in her quest for education was heartwarming and added depth to the story.

The evocative descriptions and vivid setting in the brutal Maine winter created a rich and immersive backdrop for the mystery, effectively setting the mood for the entire tale.

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