A review by wordsthatsing
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Wow. Incredible writing, incredible story. The characters are so well developed and visceral, the setting and scenes so vivid and atmospheric. Martha Ballard is one of my favorite characters I've ever read about (and a very real pioneer of her time as a midwife in the 1700s); her strength, her softness, her love for family and her patients and neighbors, her unwavering commitment to justice. This will be on my list of favorite books of all time, and with this being my first Lawhon book, I can't wait to go back and read her backlist. Martha Ballard will stay with me for a very long time, and when a book leaves that kind of lasting impression on you? That's the best kind of reward as a reader.

Note: there are many trigger warnings in this book and I recommend looking them up beforehand if you're a sensitive reader. I am a somewhat sensitive reader, but I will say that the difficult parts in no way affected my enjoyment of the book, and with Lawhon's deft storytelling, only enhanced the reading experience. 
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