SSFPL Book Club: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawson

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Spanning the winter of 1789–90 in Hallowell, Maine, from the freezing of the Kennebec River to its late thaw, Lawhon's outstanding sixth novel is based on the actual life of frontier midwife Martha Ballard, who recorded daily diary entries about her household and career. Called to examine the body of Joshua Burgess after it was retrieved from icy waters, Martha recognizes the telltale signs of a hanging. Burgess and another man, a local judge, had been accused of raping a young pastor's wife four months earlier, and Martha believes her account unquestioningly. She also guesses the two crimes are connected. A sage, strong, presence at 54, Martha is an extraordinary character. Devoted to her patients and her six surviving children, mostly young adults with complicated love lives, Marth battles subjugation by a Harvard-educated doctor who dares to think her incapable. Although this isn't a traditional detective story, Martha's narrative will capture historical mystery fans' attention with its dramatic courtroom scenes and emphasis on justice, particularly for women. Flashbacks to Martha's past add context and generate additional suspense. Martha's enduring romance with her supportive husband, Ephraim, is beautifully evoked, and details about the lives of the townspeople make the post-American Revolutionary atmosphere feel fully lived in. Lawhon's first-rate tale should entrance readers who are passionate about early America and women's history.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ariel Lawhorn is a critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction. Her novels include: THE FROZEN RIVER, CODE NAME HÉLÈNE; I WAS ANASTASIA; FLIGHT OF DREAMS; THE WIFE THE MAID AND THE MISTRESS; WHEN WE HAD WINGS (co-written with Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner);  and BARRIERS TO ENTRY an Amazon Original Short Story. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have been Good Morning America Book Club, Library Reads, One Book One County, Indie Next, Costco, Amazon Spotlight, 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

 

When

Location

2nd Floor Community Room

Main Library, 901 Civic Campus Way, 94080, View Map