Reply To: What did you think of “The Frozen River” and why?
I very much enjoyed The Frozen River because the first person narration gave an intimacy and immediacy to the story, drawing the reader into Martha’s life. I enjoyed the rich character portrayals, especially Martha Ballard as a leader and healer in a male dominant society where women were supposed to be subservient. Even though it is set in the 1700s, the novel has a contemporary feel. I also enjoyed the novel’s structure with the flashbacks to Martha’s earlier life showing parallels to women with whom Martha worked, especially Rebecca Foster. Martha is also remarkable for her relationship with her husband where they seem more like partners and coequals, contrary to the time. Martha isn’t afraid to take on challenges, even learning to read and write. What Martha reads ties thematically to The Frozen River. Emmeline has a Cinderella theme and seems to color Marth’s hopes of finding that happy ending for her son Cyrus and Sarah White. That book also criticizes the traditional marriage arrangements of the 18th century which allowed women little choice and prioritized the needs of the family. When Martha suggests that Sarah learn to read and write, Sarah White’s mother doesn’t see that there is any point because her job is to be a good mother, not have other opportunities and “a source of income and a viable way to provide for her daughter on her own.” The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne is a story of feuding families, reflecting the feuds of Martha and Dr. Page and Joseph North, i.e. the establishment. In many ways, Martha is reminiscent of so many unsung women in history.
