This is the third novel that I have read by this author! I loved this book from the first chapter! It was so very interesting such an unusual time period!! I actually could not put it down - I started it last night and finished it this evening. Around 24 hours! That is definitely the sign of a GREAT book!
The story is about the real life of a midwife in the district of Maine (still part of Massachusetts then). It takes place during the winter of 1789-1790 when there is a murder in a small village along a river that leads to more crimes. The midwife was literate (thanks to her husband) and kept journals recording her daily life, births in the community, and other important information. She also was a secret-keeper and moved freely through the village so she was privy to much as she was regarded as a health care professional in the community.
This novel is so good as it combines historical fiction with a mystery - a "who done it" while the village continues life pretty much as normal.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing was very well done. It was descriptive, yet very lovely. The author included excerpts from the midwife's journal which was a fascinating touch! The story was so interesting and a part of history that I knew nothing about at all. Now, I need to learn more about Martha Ballard and her life!!
Character development: 4.5 stars
This was totally normal historical fiction as there were a great deal of characters! It included the people of the village, the midwife's immediate family, and judicial characters not from the area. Yes, there were a lot of people to keep track of, but it was handled well.
The main characters are husband and wife, Martha (midwife), Ephraim (mill owner), and their five children living at home. The marital relationship and the familial relationship are the foundation of the entire book. It was just lovely!
The secondary characters move the story along, but there were so many of them that we just couldn't get full character development from all of them. We did for some of them though!
The final and tertiary character is the Kennebuck River and Hallowell, Maine.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The writing had me on the seat of my pants! There were several twists and turns that literally had me gasping out loud - it was so smart and interesting! It was a historical fiction mystery. Perfect fun!
The main locations were Hallowell, Maine, and Oxford, Massachusetts.
Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars
It will stay for me forever! I loved learning about Martha Ballard and Hallowell, Maine!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect with the red outfit against the grey and snowy background!
Book title: 4.5 stars
Excellent!
Gut feeling: 3.0 stars
I figured that I would like this book as I have liked the other books by this author that I have read.
Suggestions:
Maybe a cast of characters to keep everyone straight!
Definite RECOMMEND
BOOK INFORMATION
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
432 pages
Doubleday
Release date of 11/14/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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