A review by stephsnextread
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

5.0

This is a thoroughly captivating historical fiction/mystery read. Martha Ballard is a midwife and healer in the 1780s. Her profession allows her access to the town’s deepest kept secrets. The book starts with the delivery of a baby and the examination of a dead body to determine cause of death. She states that the cause of death was murder, but a new physician in town disagrees. It is even more complicated because the deceased has been accused of rape (which is described graphically on-page). The town and the justice system seem to be of little help, so Martha is left to investigate on her own.

Martha is such a strong character and essential to her community. She is a devoted wife, mother, and healer. Through her story, it was fascinating to learn about the healthcare, justice system, and general life of the time. Martha Ballard was a real person, as are the other people in the story. All of the story is based on real events, and much of the story is true. Ariel Lawhon’s author note at the end explains which aspects of the story deviated from the truth, and it was mostly related to timeline (but don’t read the author’s note before reading the book…it will spoil many parts!).

I loved this book and I think it will be on my mind for a long time. As I was reading, I kept thinking that it would make an amazing movie!