The Frozen River

A Novel

By: Ariel Lawhon

Narrated by: Jane Oppenheimer, Ariel Lawhon

Length: 15 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2023 Ariel Lawhon (P)2023 Random House Audio

Excellent

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

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!!!

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.

Unique and enthralling!

"Frozen River" by Ariel Lawhon sweeps you into an enthralling story of survival and family secrets, set against the chilling backdrop of the Arctic. Lawhon's skillful narration brings the characters to life, with each voice distinct and full of emotion. Her pacing is impeccable, keeping you on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds. The vivid descriptions of the harsh, icy landscape transport you right into the heart of the story. It's a fantastic pick for anyone who loves historical fiction with a strong sense of place. Highly recommended for its captivating story and exceptional audio performance.

Wonderful!!

Absolutely loved this book! The story amazing and the narration brilliant. I learned so much about Martha Ballard who did so much for others and lived an extraordinary life.

Historical facts

This story kept me spellbound, and the historical facts were interesting. The author’s narrative at the end was an unexpected treat.

Couldn’t wait to listen to the next installment!

Great story! Martha, the midwife, was a no nonsense woman with a family she loved and a community she felt the need to serve. I enjoyed that the author developed the personalities of each character in the novel with both strengths and weaknesses. A community whose population was neither heroic nor outright evil. The mystery at the center of the novel was well crafted and the results were both interesting and surprising. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!

martha

I love to book and recommend it highly. it shows the historical events of that era in the way people treat one another the kindness of a stranger and the strength of a family

Excellent!

Loved this book! So interesting. A fictional story about a real life midwife in the early 1800’s. Beautiful story.

Beautifully written & delivered

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. From the lovely way it was written to the wonderful presentation by the narrator. I love how it was built upon the life story of an actual Midwife, Martha Ballard. I think she would be proud of the way she was portrayed by the author. Her story has been brought to life for all to honor and remember. I did not want the story to end as good as it was.