- Date Published:
2023 - Length:
448 pages—Listening Time: 15 hrs 5 minutes - Genre:
Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery - Setting:
1789, Hallowell, Maine near the Kennebec River - Awards:
This book International Dublin Literary Award Longlist 2025; BookBrowse Awards Fiction 2024; SOVAS Audiobook Narration Best Voiceover Nominee Fiction 2024; Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee Historical Fiction 2024; NPR: Books We Love 2023; Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year Historical Fiction 2023; Historical Novel Society Editors' Choice; LibraryReads Monthly Pick Hall of Fame December 2023; King County Library System Best Books Fiction Books 2024; BPL Staff Picks: Best Reads of the Year 2024; NPR Best Book 2023; BookPage Best Books Mystery & Suspense 2023 - Language:
English, also translated into Dutch, German, Latin - Sensitive Aspects:
Sexual assault, violence against women, murder and gore, prejudice, discrimination, medical trauma of childbirth, alcohol use, community response to sexual assault, ambiguity around indigenous people, stillbirth and the death of children - Movie:
While the novel has been well-received, there is no specific information about a movie adaptation or any other media rights being sold as of May 2025. - Recommend for Book Club:
Yes, for groups that enjoy historical fiction or mysteries
This past summer I spent a lot of time working on my family's ancestry. It's addictive. I traced back to the 1700s when my people were involved with the Revolutionary War and the settling of America. None of them (that I could find) ventured as far north as Maine, but the mindset that comes with researching family history prepared me for reading The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Also, I read it while we were in Puerto Rico, during the summer, when it was really, really hot. The images of brutal cold and bodies of frozen water helped cool me off, at least in my brain! It's a great summertime read.
The Frozen River was inspired by the real-life figure Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife in Maine whose detailed diary chronicled her experiences delivering babies, tending to the sick, and navigating the social and legal complexities of her era. The initial spark for the novel came serendipitously: about fifteen years before the book’s publication, Lawhon was waiting for an appointment with her obstetrician when she stumbled upon the story of Martha Ballard in a biography by historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, A Midwife’s Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785–1812. This encounter set Lawhon on a path to reimagine Ballard’s world and legacy through fiction.
The Frozen River is a historical mystery novel set in 1789 in Hallowell, Maine, inspired by the real-life diary of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife and healer. The story opens with the discovery of a man's body frozen in the Kennebec River. Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the corpse and determine the cause of death. As a respected midwife and healer, Martha is intimately familiar with the secrets of her close-knit community, recording every significant event in her meticulous diary.
Months before the murder, Martha had documented the details of a brutal rape committed against the wife of the local pastor, Rebecca Foster, by two of the town’s most prominent men—one of whom is the man now found dead in the ice. Although Martha is convinced the man was murdered, her findings are dismissed by the local physician, who insists the death was accidental. Refusing to accept this conclusion, Martha embarks on her own investigation, determined to uncover the truth and seek justice for Rebecca, even as societal pressures and prejudices mount against her.
The narrative unfolds over a single harsh winter, as Martha’s diary becomes central to the unfolding scandal. Her pursuit of justice puts her at odds with powerful townsmen and forces her to weigh her loyalty to her family and friends against her commitment to the truth. The novel explores themes of justice, the limitations placed on women in early America, and the moral complexities of a society in transition after the American Revolution.
Lawhon’s portrayal of Martha Ballard is both nuanced and vivid, highlighting her intelligence, resilience, and compassion. The book is not only a suspenseful murder mystery but also a rich depiction of early American life, women’s roles, and the fledgling legal system. While inspired by real events and people, Lawhon takes creative liberties to imagine Martha’s inner life and the details of the investigation, resulting in a story that is both gripping and thought-provoking.
The Frozen River is a layered and atmospheric novel that brings to life an unsung heroine who defies the norms of her time to seek justice, making for a compelling blend of historical fiction and mystery.
Read The Frozen River for its compelling mystery, unforgettable heroine, rich historical detail, and thought-provoking exploration of justice and gender. It’s a standout work of historical fiction that both entertains and enlightens. Here are more reasons you will enjoy this book:
A Gripping Historical Mystery Based on Real Events
The Frozen River is inspired by the true story and diary of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife in Maine who played a pivotal role in her community. The novel revolves around a murder mystery: the discovery of the frozen corpse of a man in the Kennebec River prompts Martha to investigate the body. Her investigation weaves together real historical events, including an alleged rape involving prominent townsmen and the ensuing trial. The blend of fact and fiction creates a suspenseful, page-turning narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
A Powerful, Unforgettable Heroine
Martha Ballard is portrayed as a strong, intelligent, and progressive woman for her time. She is literate—unusual for the era—and her position as a midwife gives her unique insight and influence in her community. Martha’s courage in standing up for justice, especially for women, and her willingness to challenge the male-dominated legal system make her a compelling and inspiring protagonist.
Rich, Immersive Historical Setting
The novel offers a vivid depiction of post-Revolutionary Maine, capturing the harshness of winter, the realities of early American life, and the complexities of a society where women’s rights were severely limited. Lawhon’s meticulous research brings authenticity to the daily struggles, social norms, and power dynamics of the time.
Thoughtful Exploration of Gender, Justice, and Power
The Frozen River doesn’t shy away from the grim realities faced by women in the 1700s, including sexual violence, societal prejudice, and the struggle for agency. The book explores how Martha’s diary becomes central to the scandal, implicating those she loves and forcing her to navigate loyalty and truth. Lawhon skillfully highlights ongoing issues of gender equity and justice, making the story both historically resonant and relevant today.
Emotional Depth and Memorable Relationships
Beyond the mystery, the novel is also an epic love story between Martha and her husband, Ephraim. Their partnership is depicted as supportive and passionate, offering a rare glimpse of mutual respect and affection in a historical context.
Exceptional Writing and Structure
Reviewers consistently praise Lawhon’s storytelling, describing the book as clever, layered, and difficult to put down. The narrative moves between past and present, deepening the characters and building suspense. The author’s note at the end offers interesting details about the real Martha Ballard and the creative choices behind the novel.
For Fans of Historical Fiction That Educates and Entertains
If you enjoy historical fiction that tells a captivating story and teaches you about a lesser-known figure and era, The Frozen River is highly recommended. It’s a book that evokes emotion, provokes thought, and leaves a lasting impression.
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Americana at its finest. A wonderful blend of historical fiction and mystery.
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These books capture the spirit of The Frozen River through historical intrigue, compelling female protagonists, and explorations of justice, survival, and the human condition. Below is a curated list of books with similar themes, settings, or narrative styles, drawn from expert recommendations and reader favorites.
Historical Mysteries & Strong Female Leads
- The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters: A historical mystery set in Maine, exploring family secrets and the disappearance of a young girl, with a focus on community and the search for truth.
- All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker: A suspenseful, character-driven mystery set in 1970s America, blending a missing person case with themes of trauma, love, and redemption.
- The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger: Set in 1950s Minnesota, this novel investigates a murder in a small town, focusing on prejudice, war trauma, and the search for justice.
Historical Fiction with Rich Atmosphere and Social Commentary
- Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See: This novel, like The Frozen River, features a historical setting and a protagonist involved in medicine, exploring women’s roles and friendships in a patriarchal society.
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: Set during World War II, it follows two sisters in Nazi-occupied France, highlighting women’s resilience and moral dilemmas in times of crisis.
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: A unique narrative set in Nazi Germany, focusing on a young girl’s coming-of-age and the power of stories during turbulent times.
- The Alice Network by Kate Quinn: Intertwines the stories of a female spy and an American socialite in the aftermath of World War I, featuring strong female leads and themes of courage and discovery.
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: A coming-of-age story with a murder mystery at its heart, set in the marshes of North Carolina, known for its vivid setting and exploration of isolation and resilience.
Other Notable Recommendations
- Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon: Another of Lawhon’s acclaimed novels, this one follows the real-life exploits of Nancy Wake, a WWII spy, blending history, suspense, and a powerful female protagonist.
- The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe: A dual-timeline novel involving witchcraft, early American history, and a woman’s quest to uncover secrets from the past.
- Flight of the Sparrow by Amy Belding Brown: Set in colonial New England, this novel explores survival and cultural conflict through the eyes of a woman abducted during King Philip’s War.
- The Cutting Edge of Friendship by Khristina Chess: A contemporary novel about friendship, trauma, and resilience, with a focus on women’s experiences and secrets.
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