The Frozen River
Historical fiction
Doubleday Books
December 5, 2023
Hardcover/Audio
432
Purchased/Library audio
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.
My review:
I've read a few historical fiction books by this author, and while they have all been beautifully written and well researched, the story has never grabbed me quite like this one did. I must admit that I am a sucker for a midwife novel (The Midwives by Chris Bohjalian remains one of my all time favorites!). I've never met or used one, but I find their work fascinating. Not only was the daily midwifery engaging in this particular story, but the way that Martha was way ahead of her time with looking out for her patients. In a time when women were frowned upon to be anything other than house servants and baby makers, Martha defied the odds with not only her profession, but her willingness to defend a townsperson raped by prominent men. Martha's diary becomes a central part of the goings on in the town over a long winter. There is a lot to engage in with this book, Martha's family and home life, her work as a midwife, and her testimony at trial. One of the men accused is found dead at the beginning of the story, so there is also the mystery of who killed him to uncover. I would also be remiss if I didn't give credit to Martha's husband, a man not found nearly enough in those times.
Excellent writing and characters made this a thoroughly enjoyable read. I love when a woman can be a hero for her time, and Martha fits that bill. I highly recommend to those who like historical fiction with a strong female protagonist, and just an all around good story.
