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.
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.
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.
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! 📖✨
The Fragile Threads of Power
