Scan barcode
A review by rarasreads
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This is a historical fiction x mystery inspired by the real Martha Ballard, who was an American midwife & healer in the 1700s. Martha kept a diary of the day to day occurrences in her tight-knit Maine community. This very diary provides key evidence in a rape trial involving the Pastor’s wife. However, when one of the assailants is found frozen in the Kennebec River, Martha takes it upon herself to investigate and uncover the truth.
I felt the author covered multiple different aspects of frontier life centered on a forgotten woman in history in an engaging manner and that too, with some insightful prose.
“I will never understand why men think that women work so hard to destroy them. In my experience it is usually the opposite.”
At a time where women are viewed as inferior to men and whose experiences are easily dismissed or designated as promiscuous, Martha becomes an outspoken advocate for them. I admired her tenacity to fight sexism and misogyny as well as to seek justice. It was also very satisfying to see the ways in which Martha handled some male characters and their fragile egos on her own. I found one of her methods pleasantly shocking (iykyk)!
Additionally, I appreciated how Lawhon contrasts Martha’s strong-willed personality with her empathetic side as she extends her generosity to many. There is also tremendous depth to the love she has for her family and husband in particular. Romance readers may particularly enjoy the small dose of 🌶️ in here as well!
Overall, there is plenty to glean from Martha’s story and I highly recommend reading author’s note at the end if you pick this one up!
I felt the author covered multiple different aspects of frontier life centered on a forgotten woman in history in an engaging manner and that too, with some insightful prose.
“I will never understand why men think that women work so hard to destroy them. In my experience it is usually the opposite.”
At a time where women are viewed as inferior to men and whose experiences are easily dismissed or designated as promiscuous, Martha becomes an outspoken advocate for them. I admired her tenacity to fight sexism and misogyny as well as to seek justice. It was also very satisfying to see the ways in which Martha handled some male characters and their fragile egos on her own. I found one of her methods pleasantly shocking (iykyk)!
Additionally, I appreciated how Lawhon contrasts Martha’s strong-willed personality with her empathetic side as she extends her generosity to many. There is also tremendous depth to the love she has for her family and husband in particular. Romance readers may particularly enjoy the small dose of 🌶️ in here as well!
Overall, there is plenty to glean from Martha’s story and I highly recommend reading author’s note at the end if you pick this one up!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Racism, Rape, Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual assault