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A review by i_love_big_books
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book reminded me once again of why historical fiction is one of my favourite genres to read! It is a riveting way of learning about people and events in history that I may not know about otherwise.
This story is told exceptionally well and is based on the true story of Martha Ballard, a truly phenomenal woman who was a midwife in the eighteenth century in Maine. Known for never losing a mother even after she helped birth thousands of infants over her long career, she was a saviour to the women of her town in that time although of course she had her detractors as well, mainly those who felt she didn't 'know her place'. Martha recorded every birth in her journal along with other information she came across in her day's work and was meticulous about it. Everything we know about this unsung heroine is from these entries around which the author has woven a wonderful account of her life in the pages of this book.
When a body is pulled out from the frozen Kennebec river and the investigation reveals a connection to the terrible rape of Rebecca Foster, one of Martha's friends who implicates some powerful men of the town in the crime, Martha develops more than a professional interest in seeing justice done. From testifying at the trial to conducting her own investigation into what she is sure was a murder, she gets dangerously involved in a case that threatens to bring harm to those she loves.
Martha has been portrayed so wonderfully well in this book. She comes across as strong, determined, loving, faithful, courageous and above all compassionate and non-judgemental. Her family, comprising of her amazing husband Ephraim and six kids is her strength. I loved the bond between Martha and Ephraim. Their understanding and acceptance of each other is the stuff of dreams.
While this was a period in which women underwent a lot of suffering and injustice because of the patriarchal mindset, I found the mix of personalities in this book utterly heartwarming. So many relationships are depicted here which gladden the heart the way they are written. Martha's relationship with other women and her dedication to her profession and the way she goes over and beyond her duty to ensure new mothers and babies especially those ostracized for not following the rules of society, are cared for, is just so poignant. She makes every one of those she tends to feel cherished, taking on problems of those she doesn't have to and trying to do as much as she can. Through her story, we get to know the medical and legal systems that prevailed at the time and how much has changed since.
Martha's story definitely is one of the most inspiring I have read in terms of what one woman achieved at a time when just living was a chore by itself.
The author's note is one I really liked for the further clarity it gives. This is most definitely a must read though it does come with trigger warnings for rape and descriptions of violence as well as childbirth.
This was my first read by the author and I have already added her others to my must read list.
This story is told exceptionally well and is based on the true story of Martha Ballard, a truly phenomenal woman who was a midwife in the eighteenth century in Maine. Known for never losing a mother even after she helped birth thousands of infants over her long career, she was a saviour to the women of her town in that time although of course she had her detractors as well, mainly those who felt she didn't 'know her place'. Martha recorded every birth in her journal along with other information she came across in her day's work and was meticulous about it. Everything we know about this unsung heroine is from these entries around which the author has woven a wonderful account of her life in the pages of this book.
When a body is pulled out from the frozen Kennebec river and the investigation reveals a connection to the terrible rape of Rebecca Foster, one of Martha's friends who implicates some powerful men of the town in the crime, Martha develops more than a professional interest in seeing justice done. From testifying at the trial to conducting her own investigation into what she is sure was a murder, she gets dangerously involved in a case that threatens to bring harm to those she loves.
Martha has been portrayed so wonderfully well in this book. She comes across as strong, determined, loving, faithful, courageous and above all compassionate and non-judgemental. Her family, comprising of her amazing husband Ephraim and six kids is her strength. I loved the bond between Martha and Ephraim. Their understanding and acceptance of each other is the stuff of dreams.
While this was a period in which women underwent a lot of suffering and injustice because of the patriarchal mindset, I found the mix of personalities in this book utterly heartwarming. So many relationships are depicted here which gladden the heart the way they are written. Martha's relationship with other women and her dedication to her profession and the way she goes over and beyond her duty to ensure new mothers and babies especially those ostracized for not following the rules of society, are cared for, is just so poignant. She makes every one of those she tends to feel cherished, taking on problems of those she doesn't have to and trying to do as much as she can. Through her story, we get to know the medical and legal systems that prevailed at the time and how much has changed since.
Martha's story definitely is one of the most inspiring I have read in terms of what one woman achieved at a time when just living was a chore by itself.
The author's note is one I really liked for the further clarity it gives. This is most definitely a must read though it does come with trigger warnings for rape and descriptions of violence as well as childbirth.
This was my first read by the author and I have already added her others to my must read list.