Questions About The Frozen River

by Ariel Lawhon (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (24)

I am hesitant to read this book only because there doesn't seem to be any reference to Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's historical book A Midwife's Tale from the author as a reference. This book was based on Martha Ballard's diary and supported by extensive local documentation. I was wondering if the author referenced this book in the acknowledgements at least? She did not reference it in interviews.

Ellen Snoeyenbos She frequently references the Ulrich biography in her interviews and in her author's note at the end. This is a work of fiction but she has clearly do…moreShe frequently references the Ulrich biography in her interviews and in her author's note at the end. This is a work of fiction but she has clearly done her homework!(less)

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Jessica I took it as: Sam fell into the river at some point while trying to dispose of Burgess's body and they had to explain why Sam fell into the river - wh…moreI took it as: Sam fell into the river at some point while trying to dispose of Burgess's body and they had to explain why Sam fell into the river - which turned into: he saw a body and was investigating and then fell in? (less)

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Amy Marino

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Sheryl Shealey They told people that the baby was born dead. So this would not have worked with Sarah living in the same community. I would have liked to know more a…moreThey told people that the baby was born dead. So this would not have worked with Sarah living in the same community. I would have liked to know more about this too.(less)

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Can someone explain the meaning of the word 'cleverly' as it was used in the midwife's notes several times? She often ended the note with "I left her cleverly and went on . . ."

Thelma In Early Modern English (around the 17th century), the word “cleverly” had a different meaning than it does today. When someone said they left someone…moreIn Early Modern English (around the 17th century), the word “cleverly” had a different meaning than it does today. When someone said they left someone “cleverly”, they were not referring to intelligence or wit. Instead, it meant something quite different:

Cleverly (adv.):
In good health. For instance, if someone had been ill and was now feeling better, you might say, “She is cleverly now.” (From Bing AI)(less)

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Unanswered Questions (3)

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Has anyone watched the PBS version of Martha's story called "A Midwife's Tale"? It's an excellent portrayal of Martha's life by following her log book accounts. My book club is watching it after we all read the book which does an excellent job of weaving true life events into the fictional storyline.

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I loved this book but was confused about the locations. North was in Oxford, Mass. to marry the Ballards but then is also in Halowell, Maine, during the main plot of the book. Why was he in two of the same locations they were?

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