Genres: Fiction, Historical
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Ariel Lawhon's "The Frozen River" transports readers to the frosty and unforgiving landscape of 18th century Maine, where the Kennebec River holds a dark secret entombed in its icy grip. This historical mystery revolves around Martha Ballard, a midwife and healer whose intimate knowledge of her community in Hallowell is both a blessing and a curse. Set against the backdrop of a tightly-knit and judgmental society, the novel delves into themes of justice, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
Martha Ballard is a compelling protagonist, drawn with a richness that makes her both relatable and admirable. Her role as a midwife gives her access to the hidden lives of Hallowell’s residents, a vantage point from which she observes the unvarnished reality of their existence. Her diary, a meticulous record of births, deaths, and the sundry events that shape the town, becomes a critical piece of evidence in unraveling the mystery of a man's death in the frozen river.
The novel begins with a chilling discovery: the body of a respected gentleman encased in ice. Martha, called upon to examine the body, suspects foul play. This incident is intricately linked to a troubling case from months earlier, involving an alleged rape by two of the town’s most esteemed men. The death of one of these men raises suspicions and tensions, putting Martha at odds with a local physician who dismisses her findings and deems the death accidental.
Lawhon’s narrative is both atmospheric and meticulously detailed, capturing the harsh realities of winter in Maine and the complexities of colonial life. The author skillfully uses Martha’s diary entries to provide a window into the past, allowing readers to piece together the mystery alongside the protagonist. This diary not only drives the plot but also adds depth to Martha's character, revealing her inner thoughts, fears, and unwavering sense of justice.
As Martha delves deeper into the investigation, the stakes rise. The community’s whispers and prejudices create an ever-thickening cloud of suspicion and mistrust. Lawhon excels in portraying the claustrophobic nature of small-town life, where secrets are hard to keep and alliances can shift unpredictably. Martha's quest for truth becomes a perilous journey, one that tests her relationships and forces her to confront her own biases and loyalties.
"The Frozen River" is a masterful blend of historical fiction and mystery, offering a vivid portrait of a woman who refuses to be silenced. Lawhon's prose is evocative, bringing the cold, desolate landscape to life and imbuing the narrative with a palpable sense of urgency. The novel is not just a whodunit but also a poignant exploration of a woman's struggle for integrity and justice in a world that often seeks to undermine her.
In summary, "The Frozen River" is a gripping and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and mystery alike. Ariel Lawhon has crafted a story that is as chilling as the Maine winter, yet warmed by the fiery determination of its unforgettable heroine, Martha Ballard.
About Ariel Lawhon
Ariel Lawhon is a critically acclaimed, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. She is the author of THE WIFE THE MAID AND THE MISTRESS, FLIGHT OF DREAMS, I WAS ANASTASIA and CODE NAME HELENE. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have been Good Morning America, Library Reads, Indie Next, One Book One County, Amazon Spotlight, Costco, and Book of the Month Club selections. She lives in the rolling hills outside Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and four sons. She splits her time between the grocery store and the baseball field.