Get The Frozen River book club questions (without spoilers!) to better discuss Ariel Lawhon’s bestselling winter book club book. This historical fiction book takes the reader back to 18th Century New England, and it’s filled to the brim with themes of gender and justice.
You’ll also get book club ideas and printable questions to easily make your meeting fun and topical. Let’s get literary!
Quick Summary of The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon With Themes
The Frozen River is women’s historical fiction that takes place in 1789 Maine, where midwife Martha Ballard investigates the death of a man found frozen in the Kennebec River. This uncovers ties to a rape case she documented months earlier.
Her diary becomes key evidence in this winter mystery, forcing her to seek justice while remaining loyal. It’s about an unsung heroine’s pursuit of truth during a time when women were expected to stay silent.
Sam killed Burgess. Martha connects a piece of lace in Sam’s pocket to that found with Burgess’s body. Jonathan confirms Sam’s actions on the day in question. Sam then reveals that he killed Burgess with Jonathan’s help as revenge for May’s rape.
In defense of an attempted revenge rape by North, Martha chops off his penis with a woodworking blade.
This popular bestseller and Good Morning America book club pick works well as a historical mystery with feminist themes set against the backdrop of crime. It’s also great for a middle-aged protagonist and a take on a happy marriage.
The Frozen River Book Club Questions (Without Spoilers)
Did you know anything about Martha Ballard prior to reading this novel?
Describe Martha Ballard’s personality and motivations.
Describe Martha’s marriage to Ephraim.
Describe Martha’s parenting style.
Discuss Martha’s view of her job as a midwife.
Discuss your experiences with midwives.
Compare and contrast Martha and Dr. Page.
Discuss life in 18th Century New England.
Compare and contrast the daily lives of American women then to now.
What challenges did women face at that time and place?
How was life easier for men at that time and place?
Discuss violence as presented in The Frozen River .
Compare and contrast crime then to crime now.
Did you like the use of of a journal/diary as a plot device?
Did the investigation and legal drama unfold as you expected?
How may the court case unfold differently today?
What role does the season play in this book set in winter?
What role does morality play in The Frozen River?
What is the theme of The Frozen River?
What do water and ice represent?
What is the significance of the silver fox in The Frozen River?
Discuss the role truth plays in the story.
Discuss legal versus vengeful vigilante justice in The Frozen River.
Is justice served in The Frozen River?
Do you agree with Martha’s quote: “This is what it means to age, I think. The days are long, but the years are short.”
Printable PDF Reading Guide of the Discussion Questions
FREE PRINTABLE BOOK CLUB GUIDE
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Book Club Ideas For Food and Beyond
- Eat: chicken and baked bread like the characters.
- Drink: hot mulled cider or wine.
- Do: Make candles and knit like the character.
Book Club Books to Read Next
If you loved these The Frozen River book club questions, discuss these at your next meeting:
- The Women Book Club Reading Guide (Vietnam War story about strong women)
- Broken Country Book Club Reading Guide (historical mystery with courtroom drama)
- Lessons in Chemistry Book Club Reading Guide (historical fiction about a strong woman)
remember, it’s a good day to read a book. – jules
