Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

I recently finished reading Fever,1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson, as my choice book this week.  I initially found this book reminding me of another book I read, A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly.  They each possess deep historical fiction backgrounds, dive into a sense of wonder and mystery, and even both main characters were young ladies named Mattie (both of which you are also rooting for throughout the book!).  Fever, seemed to be an easier read for me and one I found to be enjoyable.  I am thinking historical fiction may be a new favorite of mine. 

Fever is set in Philadelphia in 1793, when yellow fever takes over the community.  Many are dying, and Mattie is forced to grow up quickly after her mother falls ill, leaving Mattie in the care of her grandfather in order to go to the country and escape the sickness.  Mattie catches the fever, and over a week after, Mattie becomes healthy enough and has no choice but to head home; to the Cook family Coffeehouse. Times were very scarce; there was hardly anything to eat, and her grandfather soon became ill (but, without fever). While fighting off robbers one night, her grandfather gets hurt and is no longer strong, he passes and Mattie is now alone in a pretty dangerous city.  Her mother is still missing, possibly in the country looking for her, or dead from the fever; and Eliza (the Coffeehouse help) is no where to be found, either.  Mattie knows that Eliza would never flee to the country, though; she would be here to help her family and those in need.

In this time, Mattie seems to transform into a young lady, much different than the Mattie introduced in the beginning of the story.  She learns that life isn't always easy, and one needs to be strong to carry on and wait until frost comes, and the fever is disappeared.  
I loved how selfless Mattie was, finding a little girl whose family has passed , Nell and taking her with her; it seemed they really needed each other.  Mattie had someone to stay strong for, and Nell had a caregiver.  

Luckily, Mattie briefly thinks she spots Eliza through the city; with Mattie carrying Nell, she tracks her down in desperate search for the help she needs.  I felt ecstatic when it really was Eliza and they were reunited.  Eliza was very kind and generous to everyone, but especially Mattie.  Eliza took in Mattie and Nell into her brother's home, with also two little boys.  I could never imagine how lonely, scared, and exhausted Mattie must have felt before finding a familiar face.  

Mattie and Eliza seemed like a good team together, especially when they had to face the young children getting sick. Mattie suggested moving back to the Coffeeshop for cooler and fresher air.  Before the yellow fever had stopped, the frost finally came during late October, more than two months after the fever initially began spreading.  This begins the slow return of people coming back to the city, along with food, and health; Mattie and Eliza re-open the Coffeeshop.  Mattie's mother does not return for some time, until General George Washington travels through the streets of Philadelphia, marking a new beginning for those who have lost so much. 


The courageousness and bravery that Mattie, Eliza, and many others in the story possess throughout, was remarkable.  It is very hard to imagine these hard and difficult times that they had to go through.  It is easy to remember how lucky we are today, and how much everyone had to fight for themselves, for others, and for their lives.  Hope was never lost, and many people stayed strong; many people can learn a lot in reading this book.  I personally enjoyed how much Mattie took in so much that her grandfather had taught her throughout the years.  I believe he would have been proud of her efforts and successes, and proud to know that although she didn't go to battle as he did, she won in a similar sense.