The Frozen River
Exploring The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon: A Chilling Tale of Mystery and Justice
Ariel Lawhon, the master of historical fiction, returns with The Frozen River, a compelling novel that brings to life the real-life story of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife whose detailed diary provides a rare glimpse into early American life. With a mix of suspense, rich historical detail, and a gripping mystery, Lawhon delivers a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is immersive.
The Story of The Frozen River
Set in 1789, The Frozen River follows Martha Ballard, a midwife and mother of nine, as she navigates the challenges of life in a small, isolated community. When a man is found dead in the frozen river, Martha becomes entangled in the investigation, uncovering secrets that threaten to unravel the fabric of her tight-knit town. Drawing from Martha’s real-life diary, Lawhon weaves a tale of courage, justice, and the quiet strength of women in a world that often overlooks them.
Martha’s story is not just about solving a mystery; it’s about the resilience of a woman who defied societal expectations to document her life and the lives of those around her. Her diary, which spans 27 years and over 10,000 entries, is one of the most detailed accounts of early American life, offering a rare glimpse into the daily struggles and triumphs of women in the 18th century.
Plot Summary
The Frozen River opens in the winter of 1789 as Martha Ballard, the town of Hallowell’s midwife, examines the body of Joshua Burgess, found trapped in the Kennebec River ice. She determines his death was murder by hanging, an opinion immediately challenged by the male, Harvard-educated Doctor Page. Burgess was a key figure in a recent scandal, having been accused of rape by the parson’s wife, Rebecca Foster, alongside Colonel and Judge Joseph North.
The Court’s Corruption and Martha’s Fight
Martha faces immediate institutional opposition. North, presiding over the hearing, dismisses Martha’s autopsy and agrees with Page’s testimony that no hanging occurred. Based on the housekeeper Sally Pierce’s eavesdropping, North charges Rebecca with fornication. Martha protests and is held in contempt. North then attempts to intimidate Martha by sending her husband, Ephraim, away and insinuating that her mute son, Cyrus, will be charged with Burgess’s murder.
Martha continues her work, fighting Page, who is stealing her clients and causing tragic stillbirths. She uses her influence, sending an officer of the court to view Burgess’s body and supporting Sarah White against malicious gossip. Ephraim returns in time for the deferred court date, where Martha’s testimony and journal expose North’s conflict of interest.
Midwives and Justice
A mysterious Black midwife, known as Doctor, arrives in town, and Martha consults her about Rebecca, who Martha suspects is attempting an abortion. Martha discovers that Sam Dawin, the man who found Burgess’s body, used a bloody rope to pull himself out of the icy river, contradicting his initial claim. When Sally Pierce unexpectedly gives birth, she reveals Martha’s son, Jonathan, is the father, forcing him to provide for his new family.
The final court hearing sees North charged with rape after Rebecca’s emotional testimony, though he flees. Martha confronts Sam Dawin, who confesses he murdered Burgess because Burgess had raped his new wife, May. Martha, understanding his motives, promises to keep his secret, allowing him to escape legal repercussions. The novel ends with Martha defending herself against North’s final, vicious attack: when he attempts to rape her in her home, she chops off his penis with a woodworking blade.
The Unfolding Past
Interspersed flashbacks reveal the origins of Martha’s courage and commitment to justice. In 1754, Martha herself was raped. A group of local men, including Ephraim and North, took vigilante action and hanged her attacker. Ephraim quickly married Martha, and her experiences later spurred her to become a midwife. This history establishes Martha’s deep-seated understanding of violence and injustice.
The True Story of Martha Ballard
Martha Ballard’s life is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of women in early America. Born in 1735, she became a midwife and healer, delivering over 800 babies in her lifetime. Her diary, which she kept from 1785 to 1812, is a treasure trove of information about daily life, medical practices, and social dynamics in post-Revolutionary America.
Martha’s entries are remarkably detailed, documenting everything from the weather to the births she attended, the illnesses she treated, and the legal disputes she witnessed. Her diary also reveals her quiet strength and determination, as she navigated the challenges of her time with grace and tenacity.
Ballard’s journal was later used as the foundation for Laurel Thatcher Ulrich’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book A Midwife’s Tale, which inspired Lawhon’s novel.
Her role as a midwife extended beyond delivering babies—she was also a healer, herbalist, and even a forensic investigator of sorts. In The Frozen River, Lawhon reimagines her as an early advocate for justice, showcasing how her meticulous records helped expose crimes that others sought to bury.
Fun Facts About The Frozen River
Martha Ballard’s Real Diary: Martha Ballard’s diary was largely forgotten until historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich brought it to light in her Pulitzer Prize-winning book, A Midwife’s Tale. Lawhon’s novel is a fictionalized tribute to Martha’s life and legacy.
A Frozen Setting: The Kennebec River, a central element of the story, was a vital but dangerous part of life in 18th-century Maine. Its freezing and thawing dictated the rhythms of the community, from trade to travel.
Martha’s Medical Expertise: Martha Ballard was not only a midwife but also a healer who used herbal remedies and traditional knowledge to treat illnesses and injuries. Her expertise was highly respected in her community.
A Feminist Pioneer: Martha’s diary is one of the earliest known records of a woman’s daily life in America. It provides invaluable insights into the roles of women in early American society, from childbirth to household management.
- The novel is based on real diary entries from Martha Ballard, providing authentic historical context.
- Ariel Lawhon blends mystery and historical fiction seamlessly, making this book perfect for fans of both genres.
- The real Martha Ballard was one of the few women of her time to document her life so thoroughly, giving historians a rare glimpse into early American medicine and society.
- The chilling setting of the novel—winter in Maine—adds an atmospheric layer of suspense, making the mystery even more gripping.
Character Analysis
Martha Ballard
is the novel’s protagonist, a skilled midwife with an unyielding moral compass and a strong sense of justice that drives her to investigate murder and defend a rape survivor. She is a static character whose firm values are established early on, as seen in her outspoken defense of a baby girl against the family’s disappointment. Martha’s character is defined by a loving marriage to Ephraim and a self-reflective nature, which sets her apart from the novel’s antagonists. While she holds strong, sometimes judgmental, opinions that lead her to brief hypocrisies (like denying medicine to an enemy), her humility and capacity for self-correction allow her to quickly acknowledge her faults, reinforcing her status as the story’s clear heroine.
Joseph North
is the novel’s primary antagonist, a one-dimensional figure of absolute villainy who abuses his immense power as a colonel and circuit judge. His obsession with dominance is clear in his words, “I am the judge. I decide what is just,” which betray a chilling god complex and immunity from accountability. Lawhon connects North’s pervasive racism and misogyny to his past in the Seven Years’ War, where he made a profit by scalping Indigenous people. This backstory links his personal atrocities to the broader historical context of colonial violence. North’s dialogue during the attempted rape scene exposes his belief that survivors will not be believed, directly paralleling the struggles of 21st-century women fighting against rape culture and the justice system.
Rebecca Foster
is the parson’s wife and the rape survivor whose courageous accusation sets the novel’s plot in motion. Despite the expectation that she be silent, she displays exceptional bravery in court. Her detailed, emotional testimony is the climactic moment of the trial, leading to her rapist’s conviction and underscoring the novel’s thematic interest in The Courtroom as a Theatrical Spectacle. Lawhon links Rebecca’s personal violation to the historical trauma of Indigenous people by noting her friendship with the Wabanaki community. North himself cites this friendship as a motive for the rape, intrinsically tying his violation of her to his racialized hatred. While Rebecca is given a voice and achieves justice (a privilege often denied to marginalized survivors), her largely passive role and absence at a key hearing underscore the Puritan Shame Culture that restricts women’s autonomy.
Dr. Page
is the novel’s secondary antagonist and Martha’s direct antithesis. He is formally Harvard-educated, haughty, and misogynistic, contrasting sharply with Martha’s self-taught skill and empathy. Page embodies masculine pride; he clings to the prestige of his elite education to override Martha’s authority and dismiss her practiced knowledge. His conflict with Martha highlights how Hallowell society values a man’s theoretical expertise over a woman’s practical skill. Page’s pride prevents him from respecting Martha and recognizing his own medical incompetence, which tragically leads to stillbirths. Even after Martha saves his family’s lives, his pride remains his fatal flaw, fueling his continued vitriol toward her.
Book Pairing: A Drink to Complement The Frozen River
To fully immerse yourself in The Frozen River, pair it with a warm mug of spiced mulled wine. The rich, warm flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus mirror the novel’s depth and intensity, while the heat will keep you cozy as you dive into Martha Ballard’s world of secrets and survival.
Ingredients
- 1 (750 ml) bottle of dry red wine
- 1/4 cup brandy (or orange liqueur)
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds (if you would like a less-bitter drink, peel the oranges)
- 8 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste (or your desired sweetener)
- optional garnishes: citrus slices (orange, lemon and/or lime), extra cinnamon sticks, extra star anise
Instructions
- Combine ingredients. Add wine, brandy, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and 2 tablespoons sweetener to a large saucepan. Stir briefly to combine.
- Simmer. Cook the mulled wine on medium-high heat until it just barely reaches a simmer. (Avoid letting it bubble — you don’t want to boil off the alcohol.) Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours.
- Strain. Using a fine mesh strainer, remove and discard the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Give the mulled wine a taste, and stir in extra sweetener if needed.
- Serve. Serve warm in heatproof mugs, topped with your favorite garnishes.
Symbols
The Silver Fox 🦊
named Tempest, is a powerful symbol of Martha’s feminine strength and individuality. The trappers’ objectification of the fox—likening her to a “virgin in a brothel”—aligns her with the local women who are constantly subject to objectifying male gazes. Martha feels a fierce camaraderie with Tempest, referring to her as “my fox” and enjoying a pseudo-telepathic bond. The fox’s ability to navigate the dangers of her wild world mirrors Martha’s skilled navigation of the dangers of Hallowell society. The novel’s epilogue centers on Tempest’s female babies, positioning the successful raising of daughters in one’s own fierce image as the pinnacle of feminine achievement in the face of Puritan Shame Culture.
The Lace
is a poignant symbol of rape survivors’ integrity and dignity. Burgess’s act of stealing the lace from the dresses of the women he violated serves as a “trophy” of his misogyny. The delicacy of the lace, in brutal contrast to his violent ripping of Rebecca’s shift, symbolizes the assault on her personal autonomy. Conversely, Sam Dawin’s act of taking the lace back from Burgess’s body is a metaphorical reclamation of dignity and safety for his wife, May. The novel also associates lace with female labor and the creation of the domestic sphere, making Burgess’s desecration of it a literal and symbolic violation of women’s agency.
The River
The Kennebec River is a recurring motif that represents the rhythm of life, power, and danger in Hallowell. It is simultaneously lifegiving, powering the Ballards’ mill, and treacherous, immediately established as a site of death with Burgess’s body. The river’s constant cycle of freezing and flowing—alternately isolating the town or connecting it to the world—underscores its immense, natural power. Martha’s respectful and expert navigation of the river’s treacherous icy surface is emblematic of her wisdom and savvy in navigating the dangers of Hallowell society. Unlike the arrogant male antagonists, North and Page, Martha’s cautious, skilled movement across the ice demonstrates a profound self-awareness and respect for forces greater than herself.
Other Books by Ariel Lawhon
If you love The Frozen River, you’ll want to check out more of Ariel Lawhon’s historical fiction:
- I Was Anastasia – A novel exploring the mystery of Anna Anderson, who claimed to be the lost Russian princess Anastasia Romanov.
- Code Name Hélène – A thrilling tale of real-life spy Nancy Wake, one of the most daring female resistance fighters of World War II.
- Flight of Dreams – A reimagining of the final flight of the Hindenburg and the mystery behind its disaster.
- The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress – A gripping historical mystery based on the true disappearance of a New York judge in 1930.
Final Thoughts
The Frozen River is more than just a historical novel—it’s a powerful story of justice, resilience, and the untold power of women in history. Whether you’re a fan of mystery, historical fiction, or true crime, this book is a must-read. So, grab your favorite warm drink, settle in by the fire, and prepare to be transported to the frozen depths of 18th-century Maine.
Have you read The Frozen River? Share your thoughts in the comments! 📖✨
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Book Club Questions
Initial Impressions
What was your overall impression of The Frozen River? Discuss what you liked most and least about the book, particularly its blend of historical detail and mystery.
How much did you know about 18th-century Maine before reading? Do you think a reader can fully appreciate the novel without understanding this specific historical context?
Ariel Lawhon often centers her books on gutsy female protagonists. Compare Martha Ballard with the protagonist from another of Lawhon’s works you may have read.
Personal Reflection and Connection
Familial Loyalty is a major theme. What is your personal view or experience regarding this concept? Is familial loyalty absolute, or are there circumstances that warrant betrayal or confrontation?
Which character resonated with you the most (Martha, Rebecca, Ephraim, etc.)? What specific aspects of their struggles or triumphs felt most connected to your own life experiences?
The Maine setting and its isolation are key to the novel’s mood. Reflect on the significance of a particular place in your life. How does that location’s geography or atmosphere affect your sense of self?
Societal and Cultural Context
How does The Frozen River reflect or comment on current societal views surrounding issues like rape, reproductive rights (pregnancy/abortion), and gender disparity in the medical and legal fields?
The novel is set in the mid-to-late 1700s. Discuss how the societal forces of Puritan Shame Culture and Gender Oppression in this period amplify the injustice faced by Martha and Rebecca.
Literary Analysis
The novel uses a unique structure: place-named chapters interspersed with flashbacks that form a secondary plot (Martha’s own trauma). Discuss the effectiveness of this structure in building tension and providing context for Martha’s character.
The story is largely told from Martha’s first-person perspective. How did this narrative approach affect your trust in the evidence and your emotional investment in the story?
Discuss the development and relatability of the main antagonists, Joseph North and Dr. Page. How does each man embody the novel’s themes of corruption and masculine pride?
Explore the significance of the Maine setting and the river. How do these elements contribute to the novel’s tone, acting as a metaphor for the freezing and thawing of secrets?
Analyze the novel’s symbols and motifs (e.g., the river, the silver fox, lace). How do these recurring elements enhance the story’s impact or inform its themes of concealment and truth?
Creative Engagement
If you were adapting The Frozen River into a film or series, which would you choose and why? Who would you cast as Martha, Joseph North, Rebecca Foster, and Dr. Page?
Create a playlist that captures the mood or themes of the novel (e.g., 18th-century struggle, cold isolation, hidden rage). Discuss the reasoning behind your musical selections.
