Book Notes | ‘The Frozen River’
The Frozen River is a book of historical fiction based on the real life of Martha Ballard, a midwife and healer in 1789 colonial Maine. Seventy-five percent of the story follows history and the rest is "what could have happened," author Ariel Lawhon has noted. She refers readers to A Midwife's Tale, the biography of Ballard by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich.
All 12 members of the UMRA Book Club really enjoyed reading The Frozen River. Members described the main character as a “trailblazer,” a “real life heroine,” and “ahead of her time.” One liked Martha as a person as well as for her work, both midwifing and as a healer.
Women at the time had no rights and sexism was rampant. The character Rebecca, who was raped by two prominent men and pregnant, had no justice. The court system, such as it was, was corrupt. Women who had babies “out of wedlock” were fined. Martha could only testify for Rebecca in court (held in a tavern) if her husband, Ephraim, was present. We agreed Ephraim was a really good man, in contrast to some others in this story. A couple members of the book club felt there were too many characters.
We discussed the challenging births Martha assisted. Arrogant Dr. Benjamin Page from Harvard sometimes took over and caused harm. Women wanted Martha for their birthing, and for healing. One member of our group, a doctor, commented on some aspects that weren't quite correct.
Couples had many children, all of them needed from an early age to help farm and in other ways. Often, children died from diseases. One of Martha's own sons became mute after he had diphtheria.
Joseph North, a lead character and one of the men who raped Rebecca, sat on the court and worked to take over the land where Ephraim and Martha farmed. He had a sordid past. His wealth came from bounties for scalping Indians. Near the end of the story, Martha does “justice” on Joseph in a fictionalized scene.
We liked the first-person narrative with Martha telling the story. Also, the descriptions of the woods and landscape, the Ballard mill, and the Kennebec River. It is a good read.
—Judy Helgen, UMRA Book Club I
Book Club I May 16
Fri, May 16, 2025, 2pm
The UMRA Book Club will discuss The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon when it meets via Zoom on May 16.
The main character, Martha Ballard, is an 18th century midwife who investigates a rape and murder that threatens her entire community. She keeps a diary that contains many of the town’s secrets and is used in a trial causing much grief throughout the community.
Email Pat Tollefson for more information.
Upcoming Events
The UMRA Photo Club will next meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony branch library in the small shopping center at New Brighton and St. Anthony Boulevards in St. Anthony, just north of the Twin Cities. For those interested in lunch, meet at the nearby Great Dragon Buffet at 11:30 a.m.
Please join the UMRA Family History Interest Group meeting on Wednesday, March 11, via Zoom, when Michelle Casey will present “DNA Testing and Analysis Using 23andMe, Ancestry, and MyHeritage.”
Public health is extremely important—and right now it is very confusing. Join us to ask questions and share your thoughts and concerns about the current state of our public health system.
UMRA’S March workshop will explore how to transform your memories, including those that have faded with time, into lively true stories. It will also show you how to reflect on them, how to express how you felt, and how to connect your stories to the values and beliefs you want to pass on.
Join fellow UMRA members for “Third Wednesdays in the West Wing" lunch at the Campus Club in Minneapolis. This is a pilot program for spring 2026.
UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss The Bohemian Flats by Mary Relindes Ellis when it meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 20. Jim Lewis will lead the discussion.
University of Minnesota General Counsel Douglas Peterson will be the featured speaker for UMRA’s March 24 luncheon forum. He will speak about how the University is addressing its latest challenges and opportunities involving law.
'Seabiscuit' by Laura Hillenbrand
Join fellow UMRA members for a morning hike in Theodore Wirth Park to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, Monday, April 6.
Chris Gade, VP for University marketing communications, will join UMRA members on Tuesday, April 7, for the first in a new series of informal “Campus Conversations” to be held at the Campus Club in Minneapolis.
This month's theme is mountains, valleys and canyons.
"Third Wednesdays in the West Wing" is a pilot program for spring 2026.
UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss Rin Tin Tin by Susan Orlean when it meets via Zoom on Friday, April 17. Diane Madson-Kay will lead the discussion.
Bev leads a hike along Old Cedar Avenue.
Under Terry Straub's leadership, Hennepin County/UMN Extension has created the most ambitious master gardener program in Minnesota. His visit with us will feature the topic of lifelong gardening and how gardens can evolve with us and our life cycles.
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Ever wonder what goes on behind the shiny walls of the Weisman Art Museum on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus?
Family history with Craig Moody. A tale with many dead ends.
Pete leads this hike at the Arboretum.
Third Wednesdays in the West Wing" is a pilot program for spring 2026.