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What burning questions, observations, or comments do you want to share?
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Ephraim and Paul Revere formed a friendship of sorts during the Revolution. It is Paul Revere’s letter of recommendation that got the Ballards their property three years after Revere’s famous ride on a horse borrowed from Ephraim. Was it Revere who punched Ephraim and broke his nose to get the horse?
Martha cannot drown Rebecca’s baby, but takes the baby girl to Sarah White to nurse. The baby is named Emmeline because Martha sees Sarah living the story of Emmeline. “Sarah reaches for the baby, smiling as though she’s just been offered a prize and not a burden.” “And all the while Henry watches in wonder, as though Sarah is nursing his child and not a stranger’s.” I wonder if Sarah and Henry Warren kept the baby or was it really a temporary thing.
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Good questions, Nancy. I’m curious about Ephraim too. How did Ephraim come about his education and all his knowledge? He seems well educated – he reads and writes, and knows a number of trades (surveying, how to run a mill, falconry etc) He’s referred to as the Welshman. Does that mean he immigrated over to America and what prompted him to do so?
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Very interesting questions about Ephraim; thanks Nancy and Katherine. I don’t think those are answered in “A Midwife’s Tale” either. Literacy, especially to the degree that Ephraim possesses, would have been rare for men also. AMT does note that the Ballards and the Moores were well educated for the times. One thing I do remember, though, from Ulrich’s biography is that Ephraim was a well respected member of the community, spoke in the town meetings, served on the church board and was what I would consider a community leader and continued to do this nell into his late 80s or 90s. He died at age 96 surrounded by his large family.
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I really enjoyed this book discussion and everyone’s thoughtful insights. It’s remarkable that a story set in 1789 has elements that are still so relevant and important today – women’s reproductive health, misogyny, patriarchal power structures, rich people’s interests vs poor, settlement and immigration (the French, British, Native American history), and more. So much of what the characters go through seem to parallel events happening now in the news. I hadn’t made strong connections when reading the book but through our discussions I could see more and more.
As for burning questions, like Nancy I wonder what happened to baby Emmeline. Also, I was left wondering about Doctor. What was her backstory? How did she learn medicine? What secrets about the villagers did she keep? Doctor was just one of the rich variety of supporting characters in addition to Martha that made the book entertaining and engaging.
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One of the things I understood much more clearly from “The Midwife’s Tale” than from “The Frozen River” was just how harsh and demanding daily life was for Martha and the people of that time and place. That was partly a result of the weather but also the absence of every day amenities that I certainly take for granted, like being able to bathe when I want to. I really enjoyed the two “bath” scenes with Martha. The first is the detailed description of her soak in the “real copper tub” in the tavern where she and Ephraim are lodging in Pownalboro before the trial of Joseph North. “I have soap, clean towels and a quiet room where I can sort through my thoughts.” “It is just the respite my nerves need.”
The second “bath” scene is in their home at the mill following Martha’s confrontation with Joseph North who is only successful with an “attempted” rape. Covered with his blood, the dirt of travel and being thrown by her horse and the blood and body fluids from assisting with the delivery of Rebecca’s child, she bathes in the wash tub, standing initially while Ephraim pours water over her. When he shampoos her hair, she can only get her bottom in the tub while her feet are on the floor outside. This account also captures Ephraim’s tenderness in a way that I found truly moving.
Lawhon’s characters, especially Martha and Ephraim, are probably the most important reason I enjoyed “The Frozen River” and their shared respect and intimacy are evident throughout the story; this final bath scene is only one example. Having said that, it is also a reminder never to take a bath (or shower) for granted.
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I wondered about Rebecca and her husband and what was to become of them, but Susan helped answer that in yesterday’s thread. I would never have imagined a move to Peru for Rebecca! Also I wondered about the events around Billy Crane. How was he caught? Did Martha testify in court? What was Ephraim’s exact role in the hanging? And on a separate note, how exactly did Ephraim and Martha first meet? Maybe I was not paying attention and some of these questions were answered, but I was hoping for a clearer picture of this event from the flashbacks. I can understand why Lawhon might have decided all these details were unnecessary and would slow the pace down, and she wanted to keep some questions unanswered. Overall, she did an excellent job juggling the historical details, characters, and plot. Like Jane, I think it was her characters that kept me engaged in the story.
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I wasn’t sure what I would discover when deciding to read this book; would I like it? Would it be worth my time? Turns out- yes, to both questions. I love when a book transports me to different worlds, and introduces me to compelling characters. With this book, I was introduced not only to some fascinating fictional characters involved in intriguing situations, but also to some equally fascinating real people. I would have enjoyed TFR by itself, but then I was motivated to learn even more by reading The Midwife’s Tale and watching that American Experience episode. And then our discussions increased my enjoyment by giving me different perspectives and thoughts to consider. I consider myself fortunate to have had my mind opened to all of these experiences; especially in these times, when I find an increasing need to discover things that bring me joy. Reflecting on Martha’s life, both real and fictional, reminded me that life has always been hard; every generation has had its share of trouble, its challenges, its villains and its heroes; but we persevere. And if we are wise, we learn from the past, and build on it. Even if our individual contributions to this world end up lost and forgotten to history, they still have impact to those who we’ve affected. Martha’s life is a perfect example, and I am glad that I was introduced to her.
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I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the comments from everyone in this discussion. I loved The Frozen River, but our discussions here provided a much richer understanding and deeper appreciation for this book, for Martha Ballard and for all of the hands involved in preserving and presenting this important piece of history. Thanks also to Jane and Susan for providing additional details from Ulrich’s “A Midwife’s Tale”. Everyone seems to dig a little deeper in these discussions (Nancy with the books Martha was reading and their importance in the story; Libby with the beautiful reflections on issues past and present), so I have to say many thanks to all.
Just like our other discussions, notably and most recently The Grey Wolf, I’ve been left with much to think about as I’ve considered our conversations and how they’ve reflected on current events and the world we all live in together. I am sincerely grateful for all of your thoughtful and insightful comments.
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I agree that this has been an excellent discussion. I’ve learned so much and I realize that I missed a few details during my read of the book, but were highlighted in the comments here. I so appreciate this community of intelligent, curious, insightful and well-spoken readers. Thanks to all for taking the time to read and share your thoughts.
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Hi Susan
Im in Dumfries Scotland. It was mentioned in The Long Way Home.-
Hi Em, I love Scotland, but haven’t visited Dumfries. So glad you’ve joined us!
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