thereadingnurse2021 's review for:

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

5.0

emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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A historical mystery that is solved by a midwife & is based on a person who actually existed? Sign me up please! No matter which way you look at it, every aspect of this book was right up my alley. From the mystery itself, to the emphasis on family connection and the love between a husband and wife, to the court room proceedings, and especially to the labor and delivery stories, I loved it all. 

As a women’s health nurse, I took special interest in the midwifery areas of the book. It was clear to see how much time and research went into making sure details were accurate both regarding actual physiology & time-period appropriateness. So often I feel as though we come across representations of pregnancy & childbirth in very whitewashed & closed-door fashions. In reality, it is literally a labor of love filled with blood, sweat, & tears, & this is one of the only books I have read that accurately portrays what it involves to bring a new life into this world, as well as the joys and hardships that are involved with every delivery. Mrs. Ballard was a force to be reckoned with, to be sure, & getting to watch this woman advocate for the women in her care was so inspiring to read. I felt like I tore though this book because of how engaging & well written it was, & I am so glad that my sister found this one for us to read together.