Book Club Questions for The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Book club questions for The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon explore the themes of justice, resilience, and the role of women in a historical context.

I loved this novel! The writing is beautiful, and I felt so connected to the main character, with a family and past full of pain. This is a great historical mystery with a satisfying ending that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

About the Author | Book Club Questions

Additional Recommendations

About the Story

The Frozen River is a historical mystery novel set in Maine in 1789. The story revolves around Martha Ballard, a midwife and healer, who is summoned to examine the body of a man found frozen in the Kennebec River.

Martha’s diary serves as a record of the community’s births, deaths, crimes, and scandals. Months earlier, she documented an alleged rape involving two respected gentlemen, one of whom is now found dead. When a local physician dismisses it as an accident, Martha takes it upon herself to investigate the murder.

As the winter unfolds, Martha faces challenges, prejudices, and a growing scandal. The novel explores Martha’s pursuit of justice in a time when women were often silenced.

About the Author

Ariel Lawhon is a bestselling historical fiction author from Nashville, Tennessee. She wrote books such as “The Wife, The Maid, and The Mistress,” “Flight of Dreams,” “I Was Anastasia,” and “Code Name Helene.” Her latest novel, “The Frozen River,” has been released in December 2023.

Ariel’s storytelling has earned her critical acclaim and a spot on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. Her books have been translated into many languages and have been selected by Library Reads, Indie Next, Amazon Spotlight, Book of the Month Club and more!

Ariel lives in the rolling hills outside Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and four sons, and according to her bio, splits her time between the grocery store and the baseball field.

Book Club Questions for The Frozen River

How does the portrayal of the legal system in 1789 impact Martha’s pursuit of justice? Discuss the challenges she faces in seeking truth within the constraints of the time.
Explore Martha’s character as a midwife and healer in the 18th century. How does she challenge societal norms regarding women’s roles, and in what ways does she elevate the status of women in her community?
Martha’s diary is a central element in the story. How does the use of her diary entries contribute to the unfolding of events, and what significance does it hold in the investigation?
The novel revolves around a scandal involving rape allegations and murder. How does Martha’s involvement in documenting these events affect her relationships and the community dynamics?
What did you think about the character of Colonel North and his influence over the town. How does he add complexity to the mystery, and how does Martha navigate her interactions with him?
The brutal winter of 1789 plays a significant role in the story. Discuss how the extended winter affects the community and adds to the tension in the narrative.
How does Martha’s character evolve throughout the novel? Examine her courage, tenacity, and the impact of the scandal on her personal growth.
The book is inspired by the real-life diary of Martha Ballard. How does the author incorporate historical facts into the narrative, and what aspects of Martha’s life and the community are particularly revealing of the time period?
Considering the historical basis of the novel, discuss how the author’s research is evident in the narrative. Are there specific historical details that stood out to you as particularly well-researched or interesting?
The reviews mention the elegant prose of the novel. How does the writing style contribute to the overall reading experience, and in what ways does it enhance the portrayal of Martha’s world?
Reflect on Martha’s legacy as portrayed in the novel. Despite her significant contributions, why do you think she remains nearly forgotten in history?
Explore the dynamics within the close-knit community of Hallowell. How do prejudices, whispers, and loyalties shape the events of the story?
Martha is described as a woman who refused to accept anything less than justice in a time when women were often silenced. In what ways does the novel portray Martha as an empowering figure, and how does she challenge gender norms?
Did you feel a strong connection to Martha’s character. Share your personal reactions to Martha’s journey, and discuss any specific moments or themes that resonated with you.
For those who read the Afterword, how did the additional information provided by the author enhance your understanding of Martha Ballard and the historical context of the novel?
Martha Ballard uses her position as a midwife to investigate crimes and advocate for women. How does her role as a midwife give her a unique perspective on the community and the events surrounding Joshua Burgess’s murder and Rebecca Foster’s rape? What does this say about women’s roles in the 18th century?
The book explores the theme of the courtroom as a theatrical spectacle, especially in the trial of Rebecca Foster. How does the courtroom dynamic reflect societal biases against women during this period? In what ways does Martha’s exclusion from testifying until Ephraim arrives illustrate the gender oppression of the time?
Joseph North is both a judge and one of the key antagonists, involved in multiple crimes including Rebecca’s rape and his abuse of power in the courtroom. How does his character embody the corruption of power in 18th-century society, and what are your thoughts on the novel’s handling of his ultimate fate?
Martha discovers that Sam killed Joshua Burgess in revenge for Burgess’s rape of his wife, May. Why do you think Martha chooses to protect Sam by keeping his secret? Do you agree with her decision? How does this choice reflect the novel’s themes of justice and familial loyalty?
The flashbacks to Martha’s own rape and her experience with the death of her daughters offer deeper insights into her character. How do these experiences shape Martha’s actions and motivations throughout the novel, particularly in her quest for justice for Rebecca Foster?
Puritan shame culture is a recurring theme, particularly around the topics of rape, fornication, and pregnancy out of wedlock. How do these societal pressures affect the different characters, especially Rebecca, Sarah White, and even Martha herself? How does the novel challenge or reinforce these cultural attitudes?
Martha and Ephraim share a deep bond, particularly highlighted in their marriage after Martha’s rape and Ephraim’s role in avenging her. How does their relationship evolve throughout the novel, especially in light of the different trials they face, such as the death of their children and the threats from Joseph North?
The character of Doctor, the Black midwife, is a mysterious figure who operates in the margins of society. How does her presence challenge the dominant views on medicine, race, and women’s health during this period? What role does she play in Martha’s journey and the larger themes of the book?
Ariel Lawhon’s The Frozen River is described as more conjectural compared to her previous historical fiction novels. How do you feel about the blending of historical facts with fictional elements in this novel? Does knowing that many key plot points are fabricated change your reading of the story?
The climax of the novel involves Martha defending herself against Joseph North’s attempted rape and castrating him in self-defense. How did this moment affect your understanding of Martha’s character? Did you find this scene empowering or disturbing? Why?
Midwifery in the novel is not only Martha’s profession but a symbol of life, death, and the roles women play in sustaining their communities. How does Lawhon use midwifery as a metaphor throughout the novel, especially in contrast to Dr. Page’s failures?
The novel begins with the discovery of a body trapped in the frozen river. How does the river function symbolically throughout the novel? What does it represent in terms of hidden truths, suppressed emotions, and the moral atmosphere of the town?
Gossip plays a significant role in the plot, influencing public perception and driving key conflicts, especially in Sally Pierce’s accusations. How does gossip function as a tool of power and manipulation in the novel? What does it reveal about the community’s values and fears?
Martha makes several choices throughout the novel based on her loyalty to her family, especially in protecting Cyrus and guiding Jonathan. How does familial loyalty both support and complicate Martha’s quest for justice? How do the various family dynamics in the novel influence the characters’ decisions?
The novel ends with a sense of resolution for some characters, but many aspects of the story remain unresolved, such as the charges against Cyrus and the outcome of Rebecca’s case. How did you feel about the ending of the book? What do you think Lawhon is suggesting about justice and survival in a world shaped by patriarchal power?

Additional Recommendations

Crow Mary by Kathleen Grissom

The New York Times bestselling author of the book club classics The Kitchen House and Glory Over Everything returns with a sweeping and “richly detailed story of a woman caught between two cultures” (Sandra Dallas, New York Times bestselling author) inspired by the real life of Crow Mary—an Indigenous woman in 19th-century North America.

In 1872, sixteen-year-old Goes First, a Crow Native woman, marries Abe Farwell, a white fur trader. He gives her the name Mary, and they set off on the long trip to his trading post in Saskatchewan, Canada. Along the way, she finds a fast friend in a Métis named Jeannie; makes a lifelong enemy in a wolfer named Stiller; and despite learning a dark secret of Farwell’s past, falls in love with her husband.

The winter trading season passes peacefully. Then, on the eve of their return to Montana, a group of drunken whiskey traders slaughters forty Nakota—despite Farwell’s efforts to stop them. Mary, hiding from the hail of bullets, sees the murderers, including Stiller, take five Nakota women back to their fort. She begs Farwell to save them, and when he refuses, Mary takes two guns, creeps into the fort, and saves the women from certain death. Thus, she sets off a whirlwind of colliding cultures that brings out the worst and best in the cast of unforgettable characters and pushes the love between Farwell and Crow Mary to the breaking point.

From “a tremendously gifted storyteller” (Jim Fergus, author of The Vengeance of Mothers), Crow Mary is a “tender, compelling, and profoundly educational and satisfying read” (Sadeqa Johnson, author of The Yellow Wife) that sweeps across decades, showcasing the beauty of the natural world, while at the same time probing the intimacies of a marriage and one woman’s heart.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews

From Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Homewreckers and The Santa Suit, comes a novella celebrating love and the warm, glittering charm of the holiday season.

When fall rolls around, it’s time for Kerry Tolliver to leave her family’s Christmas tree farm in the mountains of North Carolina for the wilds of New York City to help her gruff older brother & his dog, Queenie, sell the trees at the family stand on a corner in Greenwich Village. Sharing a tiny vintage camper and experiencing Manhattan for the first time, Kerry’s ready to try to carve out a new corner for herself.

In the weeks leading into Christmas, Kerry quickly becomes close with the charming neighbors who live near their stand. When an elderly neighbor goes missing, Kerry will need to combine her country know-how with her newly acquired New York knowledge to protect the new friends she’s come to think of as family,

And complicating everything is Patrick, a single dad raising his adorable, dragon-loving son Austin on this quirky block. Kerry and Patrick’s chemistry is undeniable, but what chance does this holiday romance really have?

Filled with family ties, both rekindled and new, and sparkling with Christmas magic, Bright Lights, Big Christmas delivers everything Mary Kay Andrews fans adore, all tied up in a hilarious, romantic gem of a novel.

For my book club questions for this novel, click here!

Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly: Lincoln Lawyer Mickey Haller enlists the help of his half-brother, Harry Bosch, to prove the innocence of a woman convicted of killing her husband.

Defense attorney Mickey Haller is back, taking the long shot cases, where the chances of winning are one in a million. After getting a wrongfully convicted man out of prison, he is inundated with pleas from incarcerated people claiming innocence. He enlists his half brother, retired LAPD Detective Harry Bosch, to weed through the letters, knowing most claims will be false.

Bosch pulls a needle from the haystack: a woman in prison for killing her husband, a sheriff’s deputy, but who still maintains her innocence. Bosch reviews the case and sees elements that don’t add up, and a sheriff’s department intent on bringing quick justice in the killing of one of its own.

Now Haller has an uphill battle in court, a David fighting Goliaths to vindicate his client. The path for both lawyer and investigator is fraught with danger from those who don’t want the case reopened and will stop at nothing to keep the Haller-Bosch dream team from finding the truth.

Happy reading! ❤️

Luka

I love to read and I enjoy exploring a range of genres including contemporary and historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, nonfiction, and memoirs. If you would like me to review your book, feel free to reach out to me!