The Frozen River

A Novel

De: Ariel Lawhon

Narrado por: Jane Oppenheimer, Ariel Lawhon

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GMA BOOK CLUB PICK • AN NPR BOOK OF THE YEAR • From the New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia and Code Name Hélène comes a gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history.

"Fans of Outlander’s Claire Fraser will enjoy Lawhon’s Martha, who is brave and outspoken when it comes to protecting the innocent. . . impressive."—The Washington Post

"Once again, Lawhon works storytelling magic with a real-life heroine." —People Magazine

Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.

Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.

Clever, layered, and subversive, Ariel Lawhon’s newest offering introduces an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story about a remarkable woman who left an unparalleled legacy yet remains nearly forgotten to this day.

Another masterpiece!

I read “I was Anastasia” first and then found this story. I loved it more. Very well-documented historical information woven into a very intriguing novel. Looking for more next.

The love we're all looking for

Ephraim and Martha 🥵🥵 there is no spice in this book but the love those two share through trial, error, understanding and supporting one another is a damn dream come true. I loved this book. it was performed perfectly. Her conviction, her softness, her sterness. All of it well done.

Midwife tough historical

Sometimes made me nervous something bad or sad was going to happen. Wanted to read faster.

My new favorite book

A story based on a real person, the dedication of her life to her work, and her love of her family is all set in the late 1700’s in Maine. Although the story is fiction, much of the story was based on the dairy of the main character.

My new favorite author!

I felt as if I really experienced life in 18th century New England. This was an inspiring tale of a midwife with the crime/legal thread making it very compelling. I will be reading all of Ariel Lawhon’s books!

The story telling was wonderful. Kept me wanting more!

From the very start I was completely engulfed! Loved the story, characters and the feel.

Great story, great history lesson.

I couldn’t stop listening! I love it when a great reader does justice to a great story.

Loved this book!

Wonderful story, and based on true events. Captivating character, and I did not want this book to end. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it won’t be the last. The narrator was perfect! So glad I took a chance!

Wonderful story

I loved how this historical novel built the story layer by layer, character after character, creating a perfect balance of storytelling and suspense. The characters were real and relatable. The narrator did an excellent job conveying the characters’ personalities and emotions. The author’s story at the end was an illuminating addition to the novel. Highly recommend!

The best book in a long time

I am in a book club that reads 2 to 3 novels a month. The fact that this book stood out so clearly as one of the best in years really counts for something. Well done Ariel.