Fever 1793

Fever 1793

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson

Publisher: Simon & Schuster (2000)

ISBN: 0689848919

4 (out of 5) STARS

Summary: In 1793 yellow fever sweep through Philadephia killing thousands. Mattie Cook watches her grandfather and mother both get very ill. Mattie learns about self-reliance, hope and perseverance.

Review: Matilda (also known as Mattie) lives in Philadelphia with her mother and grandfather. They own and run the Cook Coffeehouse. “The coffeehouse was a respectable business for a widow and her father-in-law to run. Mother refused to serve spirits, but she allowed card games and a small bit of gambling as long as she didn’t see it. By midday the front room was usually crowded with gentlemen, merchants, and politicians enjoying a cup of coffee, a bite to eat, and the news of the day” (pg. 7). Mattie has great dreams to add to the coffeehouse. She wants to start serving meals. She also wants to buy the land next door and open a shop. But all these plans must be put on hold when the yellow fever of 1793 comes raging through Philadelphia.

Yellow fever is caused by mosquitoes and is not contagious. It is always interesting to read about medical epidemics in years past because the knowledge of the disease and medical intervention were often so inaccurate. During the epidemic of 1793 many doctors still believed in bleeding patients. There was also a lot of fear about being near anyone infected.

In some ways, this book can be viewed as a coming of age story. Mattie matures tremendously in a matter of a few months as she watches her mother fall ill. Then she is sent to the country to stay with friends and avoid the sickness. But on the way there her grandfather grows ill and they are booted out of the traveling wagon and left to die on the side of the road. Mattie has to find her inner strength to overcome all these challenges that are coming at her. She does a fine job!