The Frozen River: A Novel
4.6 | 108,274 ratings
Price: 19.69
Last update: 03-12-2026
Top reviews from the United States
- Melinda CA Must Read for Those Who Love Historical Fiction!One of the very best novels I've read in years, and I read a LOT! Every member of my Book Club (there are 11 of us) gave it 5 stars, as do I. Lawton does a superb job of transporting the reader back to this place and time in history with intricate details of what life was like for people in Maine in the 1800s. Her engaging details of the realities of everyday life, the harsh weather and the oppression women faced at that time reveal the inner strength many women possessed. Although this is a fiction novel, it is based on an actual midwife's life, and we are left in awe of the iron will and compassionate work of the main character. A 'not to be missed' tale told by a master storyteller.
- CharlotteGood Historical NovelOverall this is a well-written historical novel. Lawhon's ability to create a strong sense of place and time with solid historical detail is admirable. Her characters are crafted very realistically, which is doubly important since the novel is based on actual people and events. Because of that, the story reads very easily and readers will be able to feel as if they truly know these people and can experience the story.
I liked the emphasis on women's rights and their need for justice (and how often that's not the case). However, I strongly disliked two things. For one, Lawhon presents the people of the late 1700s falsely, saying at one point in the book that more first children were conceived outside of wedlock than within. Historians say something quite different: that no more than perhaps a third (and definitely less than half) of all first children in that place and time were conceived outside of marriage. Though both Lawhon and historians agree that these pre-wedlock conceptions were almost always quickly legitimized with a trip to the altar. Given the author's generally solid historical detail, this felt like a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the truth. Whether it was or not, it was annoying.
Secondly, she has several comments and scenes that are unnecessarily lewd. I know that's often the norm in historical fiction—one of the main reasons I dislike the genre—but it took away from the tone of the story and felt contrived.
That said though, these weren't the entirety of the novel and I'd still give it four stars overall. - PRIDDYWONDERFUL BOOK< THE WRITING IS POETRYI read a book a week counting my ones on CD . This was my hardcover edition and I the loved the story, the writing which was so smooth and heartfelt. Ms. Lawhon understands human emotions so well. The couple in this book have a great relationship in the day to day of life we all must live. Her husband is the kind of lover and partner, I would give anything to have. Truly loving, adoring and he still looks at her as the beauty he fell in love with. Always supportive and respectful of her special gifts .
- Letter-BugHistorical Fiction that reads wellHistorical Fiction. Well-written book, with an engaging plot, strong characters.
- Julielayton1great read that keeps you readingI enjoyed the story and it moved nicely along.
I grew up in Portland Maine and my grandfather, Jaddus Casey, was born in Canada in 1889 and my grandmother was about 20 years younger than him. My grandparents immigrated to Woodland, Maine, which is Northeast of Moosehead Lake. I had a difficult time with the writer’s description of northern Maine. Even though winters are long, I still thought it was overblown as to Maine’s winters. My grandparents house had an outhouse and a hand pump for the sink in the kitchen. The house had a large kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a loft. Eventually a baby-blue bathroom. The “living room” had room for a stove and a rocking chair only. I was born in 1965. I understand this story was 200 years prior, but it still was hard for me to still visualize the described area. Maybe I was immune to the cold. - Misty Farrell WilliamsRelax & enjoy itI enjoyed the writing, it was a nice read but slow. So if you want something super exciting its not this book. This book is worth the read, its the type of book you relax & take on vacation.
- Amazon CustomerA fascinating trip into colonial society, ethics, and scienceA fascinating book combining the best of historical fiction, medical/gynecological history, and mystery. It is set in the late 1700's, told the point of view of a upright, strong-willed, and righteous midwife who is caught up in the mysteries of medical management of the times, as well as in colonoal societal ethics over promiscuity, sex, and rape. The story presents what passed for medical treatment and legal process in the early days of the United States in the Northeast, and will be a captivating read for anyone with an interest in that period of history and in the origins of our medical, legal, and ethical perspectives.
- suzanne clarkloved this bookThis book was written so well. Such depth of character and story. It was relatable even though set in the 1700’s. It was fiction but felt so real. This is a read that will linger for a long time.