This month our book club members are reading The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, a work of historical fiction based on the life and true diaries of one Martha Ballard. The time is 1789 and the location is the small town of Hallowell, Maine. As a young woman, Martha marries and has nine children. She goes on to become a renowned midwife and one of the very few women in the community who learns to read and write (not a common occurrence at that time). A horrific rape and subsequent murder take place, and Martha is called to testify in court as to her knowledge of the events. A Kirkus review says, “A vivid, exciting page-turner from one of our most interesting authors of historical fiction.” Should be a lively, interesting discussion!
In April we will begin suggesting books to read during our next book club year, September 2025 through June 2026. Members have several weeks to review the suggestions before we vote this June for the nine books the club will read. We usually have 20 to 25 book suggestions, and that is why we have a long time to review. If you have a book you would like to suggest in the
hope it will win a place on the list, please consider joining us.
We are one large book club divided into three smaller groups, making each group a good size for everyone’s par- ticipation and discussion. You can get more information by contacting any one of the coordinators by email: Steve and Ann Morris at samwrsi@cox.net, Lisa Buchner at lisabuchner47@gmail.com, or yours truly at fozimec@cox.net.
—Frances Ozimec
Post a Comment