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The BookBrowse Review
The BookBrowse Review
Published December 4, 2024
ISSN: 1930-0018
The BookBrowse Review
Published December 4, 2024
ISSN: 1930-0018
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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 investigates a shocking murder that unhinges her small community.
Maine, 1789: The Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice. Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As the local midwife and healer, Martha is good at keeping secrets. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, every murder and debacle that unfolds in the town of Hallowell. In that diary she also documented the details of an alleged rape that occurred four months earlier. Now, one of the men accused of that heinous attack has been found dead in the ice.
While Martha is certain she knows what happened the night of the assault, she suspects that the two crimes are linked, and that there is more to both cases than meets the eye. Over the course of one long, hard winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha's diary lands at the center of the scandal and threatens to tear both her family and her community apart.
In her newest offering, Ariel Lawhon brings to life a brave and compassionate unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice on behalf of those no one else would protect. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story of a remarkable woman who had the courage to take a stand, and in the process wrote herself into American history.
A HANGING
I
November 1789
"Truth will come to light; murder cannot be hid long."
—William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
WHAT'S PAST IS PROLOGUE
The body floats downstream. But it is late November, and the Kennebec River is starting to freeze, large chunks of ice swirling and tumbling through the water, collecting in mounds while clear, cold, fingers of ice stretch out from either bank, reaching into the current, grabbing hold of all that passes by. Already weighted down by soaked clothing and heavy leather boots, the dead man bobs in the ebbing current, unseeing eyes staring at the waning crescent moon.
It is a miserable night with bitter wind and numbing frost and the slower the river moves, the quicker it freezes, trapping him in its sluggish grip, as folds of his homespun linen shirt are thrown out like petals of a wilted, brown tulip. Just an hour ago his hair was combed and pulled back, tied with a strip of lace. He'd taken the lace, of course, and it is possible—fate is such a fragile thing, after all—that he might still be alive if not for that choice. But it was insult on top of injury. Wars have been fought over less.
The dead man was in a hurry to leave this place, was in too much trouble already, and had he taken more care, been patient, he would have heard his assailants in the forest. Heard. Hidden. Held his breath. And waited for them to pass. But the dead man was reckless and impatient. Panting. He'd left tracks in the snow and was not hard to find. His queue came loose in the struggle, that bit of lace reclaimed and shoved in a pocket, and now his hair, brown as a muddy riverbank, is a tangled mess, part of it plastered to his forehead, part in his mouth, pulled there during a last, startled gasp before he was thrown into the river.
His tangled, broken body is dragged along by the current for another quarter of a mile before the ice congeals and grinds to a halt with a tired moan, trapping him fifteen feet from the shore, face an inch below the surface, lips parted, eyes still widened in surprise.
The great freeze has come a month early to the town of Hallowell, Maine and—the dead man could not know this, nor could anyone who lives here—the thaw will not arrive for many, many long months. They will call this the Year of the Long Winter. It will become legend, and he, no small part of it. For now, however, they sleep, safe and warm in their beds, doors shut tight against an early, savage winter. But there—along the riverbank, if you look closely—something dark and agile moves in the moonlight. A fox. Tentative, she sets one paw onto the ice. Then another. She hesitates, for she knows how fickle the river can be, how it longs to swallow everything and pull it into the churning depths below. But the ice holds and the fox inches forward, toward the dead man. She creeps out to where he lies, entombed in the ice. The clever little beast looks at him, her head tilted to the side, but he does not return the gaze. She lifts her nose to the sky. Sniffs for danger. Inhales the pungent scent of frost and pine along the river and, farther away, the faintest whiff of wood smoke. Satisfied, the fox begins to howl.
CLARK FORGE
Thursday, November 26
"You need not fear," I tell Betsy Clark. "In all my years attending women in childbirth, I have never lost a mother."
The young woman looks at me, eyes wide, sweat beading on her temples, and nods. But I do not think she believes me. They never do. Every laboring woman suspects that she is, in fact, moments away from death. This is normal. And it does not offend me. A woman is never more vulnerable than while in labor. Nor is she ever stronger. Like a wounded animal, cornered and desperate, she spends her travail alternately curled in upon herself, or lashing out. It ought to kill a woman, this process of having her body turned inside out. By rights, no human should survive such a thing. And yet, miraculously, they do, time and again.
...
Excerpted from The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Copyright © 2023 by Ariel Lawhon. Excerpted by permission of Doubleday. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Doubleday. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.
"I cannot say why it is so important that I make this daily record. Perhaps because I have been doing so for years on end? Or maybe — if I am being honest — it is because these markings of ink and paper will one day be the only proof that I have existed in this world. That I lived and breathed."
So run the thoughts of one Martha Moore Ballard after finishing her daily log in the small journal that is her constant companion throughout The Frozen River. Beyond the incredibly important role the diary plays in the novel — several keys to the mysteries that unfold throughout the story are held within its pages — Martha's notebook outlived her, and remains a key source for learning about early American history. Although The Frozen River is a novel, the protagonist is a fictionalized version of the real-life Martha Ballard whose diary informs the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography A Midwife's Tale by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (1990). Ariel Lawhon weaves together elements of the historical record with strands of her own incredible storytelling to tell a tale worthy of its heroine.
It opens with a shocking discovery: a corpse beneath the ice of the frozen-solid Kennebec River, running beside the small town of Hallowell, Maine, in November 1789. As if that chilling event isn't enough, the identity of the corpse — Captain Joshua Burgess — adds another layer of drama. Just a few months before The Frozen River begins, Burgess was accused of rape by the preacher's wife, Rebecca Foster, whose bravery in coming forward about this violent crime has resulted in her ostracization. Many have the motive to kill Burgess: the preacher himself, for example, or Judge Joseph North, an elite member of Hallowell who also stands accused of assaulting Rebecca. As a midwife — and thus an expert both in bringing life into the world and in seeing the tragic ends of mothers and their children — Martha is summoned to the scene. While others claim Burgess's death is nothing but a conveniently timed accident, Martha is convinced otherwise by the signs of rope burn on his neck. When the case attracts attention from higher courts in Boston, her testimonies plunge the residents of Hallowell into a murder trial that occurs alongside the rape trial.
The Frozen River has a multilayered plot that moves at often breakneck pace through the winter of 1789–1790. Within the legal storylines, of course, are the very personal ones at the heart of the matter: Martha's friendship with the traumatized Rebecca; the midwife's growing mistrust of and dislike for Judge North; and even the relationship between Martha and her beloved husband Ephraim, as the stress of these situations wears on them both. There are plenty of slower-moving moments, too, though, and these are the ones that bring real life and color to Lawhon's 18th-century story. Much in the spirit of Martha's original diary, the fabric of Lawhon's writing captures the small moments, conversations, and tactile details that Martha wanted to remember. Although often gory (merely realistic, some might say!), Martha's stories of attending births and delivering babies are some of the best scenes, allowing Lawhon to demonstrate her talent for capturing dramatic events while also developing full, well-rounded characters, even when they only appear for a few pages.
The characters who return time and time again, however — any one of Martha's six children, for example, or the eccentric old man who runs the general store and shares a book club of sorts with Martha — are the ones who leave the most lasting impact on readers. My personal favorite of these was the enigmatic Doctor, a nomadic, learned Black woman only ever referred to by her title. The relationship between her and Martha — two women whose lives revolve around healing others — is such a unique one among Martha's other relationships in the book that I found myself wishing the Doctor appeared more frequently. Perhaps in the future Lawhon will return to this time period to expand on this character's mysterious backstory.
In any case, The Frozen River is Martha Ballard's story, developed down to the finest details (sometimes fictionalized, but mostly believable — Ephraim's friendship with Paul Revere was perhaps the least convincing!) in a way that A Midwife's Tale, given its purpose as a work of academic literature and its source's brevity, could not be. For fans of historical fiction, the novel is an excellent path to A Midwife's Tale and other stories, historical or fictional, set in the late 18th century. Historians who crave the minute details of everyday life in the past may also be interested in the novel if they're familiar with the source material. Regardless of the nature of your interest, you should read it for the pure enjoyment of letting Lawhon's written universe wash over you.
Reviewed by Maria Katsulos
Rated 5 out of 5
by kammie sue brunswick
First review
This is one of the best historcial books I read this year, The plot was well written , strong characters. Has all that I love a blend of crime and historcial,
Rated 5 out of 5
by Maureen C
Inspirational Historical Fiction
This book is inspired by the real diary of midwife Martha Ballard in the 18th century in Hallowell, Maine. She kept a diary of recorded births and deaths and daily activities.
In 1789 Martha as a trained midwife is summoned to examine a body and determine cause of death, of a body found in the frozen Kennebec River. She determines that the body was battered and bruised with broken bones and a mark around the neck. She proclaims that this body was murdered. As she is doing her examination she is dismissed by a doctor. His opinion of the death of Joshua Burgess is accidental drowning.
There is a trial that takes place which Martha must attend but only in the presence of her husband. Martha’s diary has notes of a rape that the deceased may have been involved. Women had no real say in anything then. Martha wanted to seek the truth and find justice no matter what.
Martha’s story is intriguingly woven. It is a gripping tale filled with historical facts and fiction. This is a book you will not be able to put down.
Highly recommended.
The author notes at the end of the book are not to be missed.
Also: Martha Ballard is the great aunt of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross. She is also the great-great grandmother of Mary Hobart one of the first female physicians.
Rated 5 out of 5
by Jill
Wonderful Historical Read
A wonderful historical fiction read of Martha Ballard, a midwife with a strong moral compass. Taking place in Maine, in the 18th century. In 1789 a dead man is found in the Kennebec River and Martha is called to examine the body. Martha finds herself investigating the death of, Joshua Burgess, who is believed to have raped the pastor’s wife with another of the town’s respected gentlemen. And so, begins this story of Martha Ballard.
This is a multilayered story and flips from past to present. I throughly enjoyed every minute reading this. There is a main theme thread throughout of gender oppression and familial loyalty. There is a Puritanical culture of shame that dehumanizes and humiliates the book’s female characters. The river and its power is associated with death, danger and of life in general in the town of Hallowell.
Martha’s qualities of — her resilience, courage and savviness are depicted in Lawhon’s storytelling. Martha holds herself and her family in high-esteem.
“I consider them my babies. I am not their mother, of course, but they are mine, and I can still feel the weight of grief hanging heavy in those birthing rooms.”
This is my first read from Ariel Lawhon, but I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.
Rated 5 out of 5
by BookwormBecky
BRAVO !
5.0
Charges pending, witness, diary…
A death, a rape, a trial…. Justice???
Martha is a midwife in 1780s Hallowell , Maine. When a body is found in the icy Kennebec River, she is called to determine the cause of death. The new Harvard-educated, male doctor in town, Dr. Page, disagrees with her findings, citing “accident” as the cause of death.
The body found in the frozen river just happened to be accused of raping the pastor’s wife (along with another “respected” towns person).
A tale of everyday frontier life in the 18th century, journaling, tending to women’s health, prejudice, and equal justice for all.
BRAVO - a great read!
I bought this book last month. I wish I had read it sooner! This will DEFINITELY be in my top reads for this year! Highly recommend!
I have read / enjoyed all of Lawhon’s books but this is my new favorite! This will be a hard act to follow!
Much interesting info about court procedures. Example: court in a tavern and who can & cannot testify in this period of time.
Martha was ahead of the times. A confident, bold, candid, commanding personality. Info online about the real Martha and her diary / journal. The author’s note is a must - read.
Great characters - some you will love and others to hate!
Rated 5 out of 5
by Cathryn Conroy
Magnificent Storytelling! Page-Turning Historical Fiction Wrapped Around a Riveting Whodunit
Oh, what a novel! It just pulled me in and wouldn't let go.
Before you read this book, know two important things:
1. Clear your schedule! Once you start reading, it will be really (really!) hard to stop. Yes, it's THAT good.
2. When you finish it, you will have a whopping book hangover.
Magnificently written by Ariel Lawhon, this is page-turning historical fiction wrapped around a murder mystery. It takes place from November 1789 to April 1790 in the small village of Hallowell, Maine during a particularly frigid, icy, and stormy winter. Martha Ballard is a 54-year-old midwife and healer, lovingly married to Ephraim, and mother of six (mostly) grown children. One night in late November after a town dance (called a "frolic"), Joshua Burgess is found dead in the mostly frozen Kennebac River. It takes seven men to haul him out. But this isn't a man who drowned. He has distinct rope burns on his neck, indicating a hanging, as well as bruises and broken bones, indicating a beating.
The plot thickens. The dead man, along with Joseph North, one of the leading and most powerful citizens of the town, are together accused of brutally raping the minister's wife, Rebecca Foster, who becomes pregnant with the baby of one of the rapists. Was Burgess's murder connected to the rape? Outspoken, fearless Martha is determined to solve this mystery and seek justice for the victims even at great risk to herself and her family.
The novel is not only a riveting whodunit with smart twists and turns, but also a brilliant story about life in these difficult times early in our country's history. I was completely captivated reading this imaginative tale with colorful characters, a bit of love and romance, and magnificent storytelling.
Be sure to read the "Author's Note" at the end, as it describes in detail what is and isn't historical fact in this novel. I was quite surprised at how much of it is true. But don't read the "Author's Note" until you have finished the book, as it's filled with story spoilers.
Bonus: Quotations from Shakespeare's plays run throughout the novel, and many of them are the best ones—the ones that so eloquently insult and defame. Read them and laugh!
Rated 5 out of 5
by Linda J
Lawhon’s Best!
This book is definitely going on my favorite of all time's list. I could not spend enough time with this engrossing story of a midwife, Martha Ballard, in 1789 who, as a vital person in her Maine community, finds herself involved in what she perceives as a murder while a younger, male, Harvard grad, physician disagrees with her determination.
As if this story line isn't enough, Lawhon includes Ballard's family is among the well-developed characters. Her relationship with her husband is full of mutual respect and consideration.
I had just a little trouble keeping track of other citizens, but usually was able to be reminded within a few paragraphs (thanks to Lawhon's mastery) exactly who had just re-entered the story.
Rated 5 out of 5
by Sandy Connell
One of the best books I've read
This is an excellent story based on of a real life midwife in the 1700s.It is historical fiction, murder mystery, and a love story wrapped into one, and a fascinating book that you can't stop reading!
Rated 5 out of 5
by JoreneJ
The Frozen River: A midwife fights prejudice against women in early America
This is historical mystery focused on the life of a real midwife in post revolutionary America. While respected by women, a midwife was not respected by the medical community in early America and although she has the role of giving testimony on mortalities, when she gives her opinion that a recent death is a murder she conflicts with the powers that want to rule an accidental drowning. I loved the setting of this book- in Maine's winter- and the writer makes you feel "chilled' at every turn. The mystery of the death unfolds among side stories of other discriminations against women and powerful men controlling the community. Evil lurks, but our heroine will not give up on her quest for the truth! If you enjoyed books like Lady Tan's Circle of Women you will enjoy seeing the role of a courageous midwife in early America.
Martha Ballard, the heroine of Ariel Lawhon's The Frozen River and a real-life 18th-century midwife, left behind a diary that remains one of history's best sources on midwifery in late colonial America. In addition to this work of historical fiction, Ballard is the subject of historical monographs and of a PBS special on her life. Along with Ballard, many other midwives — named and unnamed in historical records — made their mark on the colonization of America and on the development of social norms in the new country at the end of the 18th century.
From the very beginning of European colonization of the Americas, midwifery and the safe delivery of infants was a high priority for the colonists: for example, Bridget Lee Fuller served as the midwife for three births on the Mayflower's journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The knowledge required to be a successful midwife was passed from woman to woman. Just like Martha details in The Frozen River, young midwives-to-be were trained through apprenticeship to an older, more experienced midwife. This form of education, as well as the presence of women in the birthing chamber at all, would be replaced by the university-educated "male midwife" — doctors whose credentials were seen as more respectable.
In colonial America, one of the few ways in which women could engage in a trade was through midwifery, although they weren't always paid in money. Instead, the barter system was alive and well in the late 18th century, with Martha Ballard sometimes being paid in candles or food for her services. Apart from engaging in the business of birthing, midwives also stepped into the traditionally masculine space of legal testimony. In The Frozen River, one of Martha's main jobs as a midwife is to testify in paternity hearings; it is her responsibility to get a confession out of an unwed mother during labor regarding the identity of the baby's father. While unwed mothers were fined for bearing illegitimate children — and the father of the baby was not necessarily legally culpable — the word of a respected midwife applied social pressure for the father to either help the mother pay the fine or to marry her.
From both a more abstract, cultural standpoint and a very real, tangible one, midwives were cornerstones of early American societies. Their ability to guide new life into the world was unmatched, and particularly as more and more families came to the "New World," their services were increasingly critical. Midwives occupied a unique position between the feminine world of the birthing chamber and the masculine worlds of public economy and legislation.
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