A review by just_one_more_paige
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 
So, I got an ALC of this novel from Libro.fm, but I may not have picked it up as quickly without the recommendation/push from a library coworker. And color me glad for that, because I really liked this one! (Also, this maybe means it's time for me to finally pick up the book by Lawhon that's been on my shelf unread for years, I Was Anastasia, soon too; I have always had a soft spot for that story, thanks to the animated 1997 movie.) 
 
It's winter 1789 in Maine when a body is found in the frozen Kennebec River and the local midwife, Martha Balalrd, is called in to examine the body. And so begins a months-long saga including a murder investigation and trial (ish) for two prominent men accused of raping a woman (one of whom is the body that was found in the river). Because Martha's role as a midwife puts her in close contact with so many in the town, and as a safe space for many major confidences, she finds that the records of it all that she keeps in her daily journal are pivotal to the search for truth (and her own efforts towards finding justice). Weaving this larger murder mystery and legal story into a thrilling narrative of small town secrets, relationship drama, Martha's own family and history, plots to grab power and land, and the prejudices that have been woven into this nation since it's very beginning, Lawhon brings to life a real page-turner of a story built around a strong, but previously under-recognized, female figure in American history. 
 
Like I said, this was a page-turner. The narrative voice and story-telling style were so relatable and personable. I found it to be a really compelling read (or listen, as it were). This was enhanced by how steadily paced it was, with Lawhon fantastically balancing the unfolding of the dramatics of the story with historical details and interpersonal interactions. And really, it was clear from all of it how much research and effort she put into making sure the setting, the time period, and all the other specifics that make for great historical fiction world-building, were correct. Reading this made the characters and location feel as real to me as it was for these people, once upon a time. It was a wonderful experience, as far as being totally engrossing. However, it's worth noting that some aspects of the time period did make that engrossing reality a frustrating and angering one too.  
 
To that point, let me just say... The buttoned-up notions of sexual propriety are honestly infuriating to read, even as I know we’ve come so far, those are the morals that built this country and why we struggle so much with acceptance of sexuality today still. UGH. Though props to Lawhon for juxtaposing that external/societal preference with lots of recognition of sexual activity and pregnancy before marriage. This puritanical culture shit couldn’t stop it then (and of course it couldn’t, it was just easier to hide and lie with the layers of clothing and lesser medical technology/knowledge), so why we think to try it again now with hope for a different outcome is pure stupidity. Lawhon also does a nice job making the central family, the Ballards, exemplar of something better, within the confines of the time, but also realistic. Some of the "courting" with their daughters was so endearing. I mean I love that we’re past that and girls can speak for themselves more now, but the way it's carried out here in the Ballard family it’s clear that love and safety is foremost and I can’t help but smile and swoon a bit at that. Also, a word: they do have a "acts like a more typical guy" son (no matter what the family/home is like, the influence of the greater world is always still there) and like I said, that makes them a much more relatable and realistic family, but Martha also address it in a way that gives some hope, that a family can still make inroads in counter-acting that greater societal culture. And it's those observations/reflections about people and families, that each child/characters can act in ways unique from the others and unexpected, that was such a big part of what made this read so good. 

 A major content warning, for any potential readers: the descriptions of rape and attempted rape and assault on a woman is a lot, and detailed. Just, be aware. And on that note, oooof the rhetoric of “would you ruin the life of a respected man, a judge/colonel/insert whatever title, on the word of a woman?” is too familiar and just enraging. And what a highlight of the unevenness of justice (weighted so much in the favor of powerful men) that has always prevailed and been a cornerstone of American history and present day. How are we not further past that kind of BS??  
 
I have a bunch of other random details that I want to add, but that don't really go with anything else, so I'm going to smoosh them together here. First, the book smelled great. It's one of my biggest book nerd traits, loving how certain books smell, and this one was a winner. The sprinkling of Shakespearen insults throughout was so fun. They're always so creative and cutting in equal measure and I imagine saying them to/about people is as satisfying and hilarious as reading them. Look, this was unexpected for me, as in I didn't think I'd be ending this novel with a book crush, but seriously: Ephraim is my favorite new book husband (vibes similar to another deep favorite of mine, Whiskey & Ribbons, just a bit older). His words, his actions, the way he treats Martha so tenderly and sweetly and strongly supportive in a way that still allows her to stand on her own strength; ohhhh yes. Sort of on that note, this has a lovely and realistic account of the process of aging, while still owning and claiming one’s sexuality; I loved that for Martha and in general. I really enjoyed the amount of time we spent with Martha as she cared for and attended to women perinatally, and of course during childbirth (content warning here for any readers for whom that might be a concern). There was so much great insight into the experience of pregnancy and childbirth and motherhood in a way that complemented the overall story, but never overwhelmed it. The afterward was really interesting, as far as giving real historical context and explaining what was “true” and what was fictionalized or embellished about this novel. A great way to close out the reading experience. 
 
This was not just a novel of crime and murder mystery, but a fully developed period piece as well, with many fully developed characters and relationships, and a gorgeous look at the important and far-reaching role of a midwife in the community. Honestly, just a super entertaining and well-written novel.  
 
“A woman is never more vulnerable than while in labor. Nor is she ever stronger.” 
 
“…pretty faces and misfortune often go hand in hand…” 
 
“Men and death: either culprits or cowards.” 
 
“Memory is a wicked thing that warps and twists. But paper and ink receive the truth without emotion, and they read it back without partiality. That, I believe, is why so few women are taught to read and write. God only knows what they would do with the power of pen and ink at their disposal.” 
 
“Words can be a gift, but so can silence.” 
 
“How is it honorable to ignore that undisputed facts that a woman was raped and is now pregnant as a result? No one denies that. They only question her word. Her account. They shout 'witness!' as though crimes such as this are ever performed in broad daylight. In the middle of a street. Evil is always done in secret. You know that. [She] is a witness!" 
 
“There is no bringing new life into this world without pain, however, and sometimes it assaults us at both ends.” 
 
“Men aren’t so brave in the daylight as they are in the dark.” 
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