A thrilling and intense read with a powerful heroine who I admired. The story is atmospheric and the feeling is chilling.

‘The frozen river alters every facet of life for those who live along it, yet the judges take the inconvenience as a personal slight.’

I first came across Ariel with her book, Flight of Dreams (about the Hindenburg disaster) in 2016 - it was brilliant. Then in 2020 I read, Code Name Hélène (about Nancy Wake) - once again, brilliant. It is therefore needless to say, I was filled with anticipation about her latest even though I knew nothing of a midwife from 1789 in post revolution America. I do now - and boy! I will not soon forget it.

‘I cry. Mostly for Rebecca and the tiny, unwanted beating heart deep within her womb. But also for myself. And our daughters. And for every other woman who lives, suffers, and dies by the mercurial whims of men.’

The Frozen River is, in a nutshell, outstanding historical fiction. It is based on fact stemming from the diary of one midwife born in 1735, one Martha Ballard. Martha wrote a daily diary - short facts recording births, deaths, the weather etc. Let us be clear, Ariel states herself that this is her version of “what could have happened in this woman’s life. It is not a biography, nor do I claim to be an historian. I’m simply a storyteller, and I have felt, for fifteen years, that Martha’s story is worth telling.” Let me tell you … it is!

“Memory is a wicked thing that warps and twists. But paper and ink receive the truth without emotion, and they read it back without partiality.”

Regaled here is one long, brutal winter in 1789 that marked a decidedly momentous time for the community of Hallowell. Yes, this is a tale of the everyday life of living in a small post-Revolution community with a definite focus on the plight of women. However, so so cleverly tied into this is a murder mystery of the highest calibre that will have you guessing to the very end.

“I simply ask that Mr. Sewall record in the official court documents that there are contradicting views as to the cause of Mr. Burgess’s death. One that states accidental drowning.” I pause for effect. “And one that states murder.”

The detail and specifics that Ariel delivers to her readers is nothing short of spectacular. Be sure to take time to truly sink into Ariel’s, ‘Author Notes’ at the conclusion. Martha is such an extraordinary character and I have so much respect for her courage and the women she sought to care for and represent. I also reveled in the very special relationship she has with her husband, Ephraim.

‘We are in the twilight years of a long love affair, and it has recently occurred to me that a day will come when one of us buries the other. But, I remind myself, that is the happy ending to a story like ours. It is a vow made and kept. Till death do us part. It is the only acceptable outcome to a long and happy marriage, and I am determined not to fear that day, whenever it arrives. I am equally determined to soak up all the days between.’

The Frozen River is a definite stand out book for me in 2023 and I highly recommend it to all as it ticks so many boxes. It is complex yet clear in regaling readers about a very special woman from history. If a tale rich in research of a time, place, people and intrigue. Sound inviting? Do yourself a favour and read it.

‘I cannot say why it is so important that I make this daily record. Perhaps because I have been doing so for years on end? Or maybe - if I am being honest - it is because these markings of ink and paper will one day be the only proof that I have existed in this world. That I lived and breathed. That I loved a man and the many children he gave me. It is not that I want to be remembered, per se. I have done nothing remarkable. Not by the standards of history, at least. But I am here.’









This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Wow. This is certainly a long book to read and a book that I find hard to review as there is just so much in it. Inspired by the real-life Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife this is a very intriguing historical fiction with plenty of mystery, intrigue with stories in amongst stories.

This is a well researched and written book with great characters and plenty to get your teeth into. It is pretty full on but also is not too hard to read. It is a book that keeps on giving and makes you want to read more. I really enjoyed it but it took me a little while to read it.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

'I am in the business of mortality. Its beginning and its end'.

Martha Ballard, has been the local midwife and healer in Hallowell. As a habitual journal writer, Mistress Ballard has recorded years of births, deaths, and illegitimate secrets, 'I do not consider myself a scribe of any repute. I am a chronicler of facts, not feelings'. When the dead body of a townsman, alleged to have committed a heinous crime is discovered, entombed within the ice of the frozen river, Martha is certain she'll find answers within her diary. Having long been an advocate for women at their most vulnerable, she won't stop asking questions until she finds answers.

Inspired by the real-life diaries of 18th Century, Martha Ballard, Ariel Lawhon has given us a glimpse of the daily life of not only a small, post-Revolution, town in America but specifically the lives of women. History often lacks the everydayness of womanhood. Between literacy and expense, reading and writing were often reserved for 'important' communication. Added to this, is a real small-town whodunnit, replete with a cast of characters and plenty of gossip. But it's also a love story. Martha's husband Ephraim is a ballast steadying the emotional storms that test her daily; dealing with life and death, 'I have long since mastered the art of nursing joy at one breast and grief at the other'. Martha is a lot of things, but ultimately she is a champion for fairness and justice, and in her line of work, that often means women.

I loved this book and all its layers. It is a long story made up of everyday stories of life. Its austere tone beautifully reflects the harsh winter and somewhat Puritanical attitudes that lingered. Whether you enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, or a bit of romance, you're sure to enjoy this book.

'Memory is a wicked thing that warps and twists. But paper and ink receive the truth without emotion and they back it without partiality. That, I believe is why so few women are taught to read and write'.