The Frozen River: A Novel
Ariel Lawhon’s ‘The Frozen River’ unveils the story of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife who, through her diary, investigates a murder and challenges societal norms in a gripping historical mystery. This narrative follows Martha as she confronts powerful men and navigates a community rife with secrets, ultimately fighting for justice in a time when women’s voices were suppressed.
Description
Ariel Lawhon, the New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia and Code Name Hélène, crafts a compelling historical mystery, The Frozen River, that breathes life into the remarkable story of Martha Ballard. This GMA Book Club pick and NPR Book of the Year draws inspiration from Ballard’s own diary, revealing her defiance of the 18th-century legal system and her indelible mark on American history.
In 1789 Maine, winter’s icy grip encases the Kennebec River, trapping a man beneath its frozen surface. The townspeople summon Martha Ballard, a respected midwife and healer, to examine the body and determine the cause of death. Ballard, privy to the intimate secrets of Hallowell, meticulously records every birth, death, and transgression in her diary. Months prior, she documented the alleged rape perpetrated by two prominent town figures, one of whom now lies dead within the ice.
However, a local physician challenges Ballard’s findings, attributing the death to an unfortunate accident. This dismissal forces Martha to actively pursue the truth behind the shocking murder. Throughout the harsh winter, as the trial approaches and whispers of prejudice fill the air, Martha relentlessly investigates. She uncovers layers of deception and confronts the town’s hidden agendas.
Martha’s diary, a testament to her unwavering pursuit of justice, becomes a pivotal piece of evidence, implicating those she holds dear. This compels her to confront her own loyalties and decide where she stands in the face of mounting pressure. Lawhon masterfully weaves a clever, layered, and subversive narrative, introducing Martha Ballard, an unsung heroine who refused to be silenced.
Martha actively challenges the societal norms of her time, demanding justice when women were expected to remain unseen and unheard. The Frozen River immerses readers in a thrilling, tense, and tender story, showcasing the resilience of a remarkable woman who left an unparalleled legacy, yet remains largely forgotten. Lawhon actively restores Martha Ballard’s rightful place in history, highlighting her courage and unwavering commitment to truth.
Listening Length: 15 hours and 5 minutes
Author: Ariel Lawhon
Narrator: Jane Oppenheimer, Ariel Lawhon
Whispersync for Voice: Ready
Audible.com Release Date: December 05, 2023
Publisher: Random House Audio
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Language: English
ASIN: B0BXK3SRBL
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