Book Discussion - The Frozen River

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is a fictional tale inspired by a true story from the life of Martha Ballard, a midwife and healer in 18th century Maine. She is privy to most town happenings and her diary – which survives to this day – records every birth, death, romance, and scandal in the community.

Martha documents an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the river’s ice. Martha’s examination concludes he was murdered. But when a newly arrived male physician declares the death an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking crime on her own.

The Frozen River is a tense, tender story about a woman refusing to accept anything less than justice in an era when women were to be seen and not heard. As the story unfolds, you’ll find themes of patriarchy, victim blaming, power imbalances, maternal mortality and racism echoing across the centuries.

The book was a NY Times best-seller, GMA Book Club pick, and NPR Book of the Year. The title is available through the St. Louis City and St. Louis County libraries. If you buy a copy, please consider supporting a local bookseller.

Guests welcome.

Host: SOS Board Member Ellen Schapiro

Directions: The home of SOS Board Member Emily Rapp, 228 Gay Avenue, 63105