The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

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INITIAL THOUGHTS

I picked this one up, knowing a real woman’s life inspired it, and was immediately intrigued by the idea of an 18th-century midwife who keeps meticulous records and isn’t afraid to stand up to powerful men. I was in the mood for something feminist and unflinching, and The Frozen River delivered. The pacing is slow due to the amount of detail, but the storytelling is strong enough to carry you through. It’s immersive, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters when I wasn’t reading.

WHAT IT IS ABOUT

Midwife Martha Ballard examines the body of a man found frozen in Maine’s Kennebec River. Her diary may hold the key to the mystery, as months earlier, she recorded details of a rape committed by two of the town’s most prominent men—one of whom is now dead. With her testimony under fire, Martha fights for justice in a world that doesn’t believe women.

MY REVIEW

Writing Style

Lawhon’s prose is rich and deliberate, with vivid historical details that ground the story. The diary entries provide structure and tension. It’s not a fast read, but it’s gratifying.

Themes & Messages

The Frozen River is about justice, power, gender, and truth. The way it interrogates the justice system’s treatment of women, then and now, is sharp and relevant. Martha’s voice is one of power and principle, and her pursuit of truth feels timeless.

Characters

Martha is unforgettable, strong, intelligent, brave, and quietly furious. Ephram stole my heart. His gentle, affirming love is the kind of fictional man I want more of. The children are also beautifully rendered, walking that line between dependency and coming of age.

Vibes, Settings, and Tropes

You’ll find:

• Found family and healing after trauma.
• Frozen frontier setting in 1789 Maine.
• A true “I love when women…” narrative.
• Feminist historical fiction.
• Grumpy doctors vs. competent women.
• Real-life-inspired justice storyline.

Favorite Quotes

“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.”

“It’s an unimaginative accusation and one that I am frankly tired of hearing. Witchcraft. As though there is no other explanation for a woman who excels at her work.”

“This is the part no one talks about anymore. Not in civilized company at least. When a war is over, you stop discussing the cost. The reality. The blood-soaked soil or the grave markers or the collateral damage. The ways we kill our enemies in order to claim victory. History is written by the men who live. Not the ones who die. But I’ve heard these stories myself.”

What Worked For Me

• Martha is a fully formed character who knows her worth.
• Ephram’s quiet, supportive masculinity. Yes, please.
• The realistic portrayal of dismissed rape cases, then and now.
• Themes that still ring too true in modern times.
• The respect for historical accuracy without sacrificing narrative drive.

What Didn’t Work For Me

• The detail slows the pace, especially early on, and might not be for readers wanting a fast thriller.
• The emotional weight can sometimes be heavy, but that’s the point.

Final Thoughts

This book was powerful. I’d recommend it to fans of The Witch’s Daughter or The Gilded Wolves, readers who like historical fiction grounded in real women’s stories, and anyone looking to be both heartbroken and inspired. It’s not just a mystery. It’s a mirror.

Let’s Talk

Do you love books where women fight back against unjust systems? What’s the last book that made you furious and hopeful?