The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Midwife Martha Ballard is the heroine of this gripping mystery. She was born in 1735 and died in 1815. This fictionalized account of her life feels authentic and compelling thanks to her diligent daily diary entries and an award-winning biography by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich.
The novel, which has received acclaim for it engaging storytelling, starts as a “who done it” but becomes an homage to Martha Ballard and her commitment to justice and equality for women. The frozen river itself becomes a powerful symbol within the story, representing the rigid societal structures that Martha fights to crack open.
The story opens in 1789, a time of significant change and upheaval for the newly formed United States and its judicial system. Ballard is called to examine the body of a man who was found frozen to death in the Kennebec River. The deceased is identified as one of two well-respected men who were accused of rape two months earlier. As the midwife and healer of Hallowell, Maine, Martha had documented the details of that assault. Martha believes the man was murdered. But when a Harvard-trained male doctor declares the man’s death is accidental, Martha is compelled to investigate. While doggedly delivering babies and healing town folks, she attempts to discover what happened to this man and how it might relate to the rape.
As the story unfolds, Ballard’s unwavering determination to uncover the truth serves as the backbone of the narrative. Ballard’s husband, Ephraim, taught her how to read and write, a skill not available to most women. Their love story is inspiring. Martha’s daily diary becomes a vital tool in piecing together the mystery. Through her investigation, she encounters resistance from powerful figures in the community. Her pursuit of the truth challenges the deeply entrenched patriarchal norms. Her quiet resilience and intellect shine as she navigates a world where women’s voices are often dismissed. How she developed this courage is one of the engaging threads of the story.
Ultimately, “The Frozen River” is more than a murder mystery. It is a profound exploration of courage, justice, and the unyielding resolve of a woman who dared to seek the truth in an age when silence was the easier path. Lawhon’s pays tribute to Martha Ballard’s legacy and her steadfast commitment to gender and class equality. She was truly a heroine of her time. 4/5