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A review by claudiaslibrarycard
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is an incredible piece of historical fiction that strays only slightly from the actual life of Martha Ballard- an incredible midwife who delivered over a thousand babies without losing a mother in childbirth in the eighteenth century. I am drawn to stories of midwives and perinatal care, so I couldn't resist this one but I was hesitant just because it is receiving so much positive attention. As we all know, sometimes expectations can make or break a reading experience. In this case, The Frozen River absolutely lived up to the praise I have been seeing for it everywhere.
Told in traditional chapters and real (sometimes adapted) journal entries by Martha Ballard herself, this story begins with the death of a man accused of rape. Martha Ballard is called to examine the body and then later to testify to her findings. In a world ruled by men, Ballard is brave even when faced with extreme discrimination, and we follow as she seeks justice for women who have been assaulted.
This book does have dark content so proceed with care, but it also is full of hope and the resiliency of those who carry and give life. And when you think the book just couldn't get better, Lawhon's author's note just puts it over the top. Don't miss this one if you love historical fiction and especially if you enjoy stories of brave women.
Told in traditional chapters and real (sometimes adapted) journal entries by Martha Ballard herself, this story begins with the death of a man accused of rape. Martha Ballard is called to examine the body and then later to testify to her findings. In a world ruled by men, Ballard is brave even when faced with extreme discrimination, and we follow as she seeks justice for women who have been assaulted.
This book does have dark content so proceed with care, but it also is full of hope and the resiliency of those who carry and give life. And when you think the book just couldn't get better, Lawhon's author's note just puts it over the top. Don't miss this one if you love historical fiction and especially if you enjoy stories of brave women.