The Truth Is Not a Luxury

Earlier this summer, I read The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. The novel is historical fiction, but it moves like a courtroom drama, a mystery, and a personal reckoning all at once. Set in 1789 Maine and based on the real-life diary of Martha Ballard, the story revolves around a midwife who becomes entangled in a rape case and a suspicious death, all while navigating a world that refuses to take women seriously.

One line in the book stood out as both a quiet truth and a loud warning:

“The truth is not a luxury. It is a necessity.”

There is something about that idea that feels deeply relevant, not only in the context of the novel but in our current moment. In a world saturated with opinion, spin, and curated versions of reality, the truth can start to feel optional. It can feel like something we turn to when it is convenient, or when it supports our view. But this book reminds me that the truth is not something we turn to when it suits us. It is something we need in order to live with integrity and justice.

Martha Ballard, the narrator, does not chase dramatic victories. She takes notes. She bears witness. She tells the truth about what she sees and what she knows. And in a time when women were expected to stay silent, she uses her voice with clarity and care. She understands that truth has weight. It can heal or harm, but it must be handled. It must be spoken, even when no one wants to hear it.

Reading this novel made me think about how we talk about truth in schools. We encourage students to be honest, but do we also show them how to carry the truth responsibly? Do we model what it looks like to speak clearly, even when it makes things uncomfortable? Do we show them that truth is not just about facts, but about integrity?

The Frozen River is not a loud book, but it is a firm one. It tells a story about injustice, yes, but it is also about courage. It is about a woman who refuses to let silence win. And it reminds us that truth, while not always convenient, is always essential.

Additionally, Lawhon takes the time after the novel to provide the historical context in which it was written, including several diary entries from Martha Ballard. This was a really great way to end the book!