Sally and Sarah are set up in opposition to each other throughout the novel, and Martha guesses incorrectly about each of their futures. Did you see those plot twists coming? Would you have acted differently toward either woman?

Book Clubs The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon Discussion
1

Sally and Sarah are set up in opposition to each other throughout the novel, and Martha guesses incorrectly about each of their futures. Did you see those plot twists coming? Would you have acted differently toward either woman if you had been in Martha’s shoes?

2

Unfortunately I did think that Sally might end up pregnant with Jonathan the father. Being one of Martha’s sons he did the right thing. I was surprised and happy for Sarah that the father of her child came back as he promised. He was unaware that there was a baby, but the love he showed for that baby was so precious. Martha had a right to dislike Sally for being weak and for what she said against Rebecca. Her words harmed Rebecca’s case. And of course Martha was always pleasant and helpful to Sarah especially since the entire town thought Sarah was a fallen woman.

3

Sally and Sarah have totally different personalities. As the fourth daughter, Sally attempt to please others, caving into her father’s pressure to testify. She continued her line of testimony, despite being told that she may have heard only part of the conversation. Sarah knew her heart and was willing to put up with the village shaming to hold true to her love of her daughter and her daughter’s father. I love how Sarah’s love for Charlotte produced more milk than her daughter needed.

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4

The differences in both of the women allowed for a twist in the paths, which I did not forecast. Martha was made from rough stock and I think she wanted to see integrity in both of them.