Major events unfold over a four-month span that forever alters the lives of the town's residents. The story kicks off with Mattie waking up to the sound of a mosquito buzzing in one ear and her mother yelling in the other.

Mattie resides in a room above her family's coffeehouse. It's August, and the relentless heat seeps into her small bedroom. Struggling to wake up and start her chores, Mattie embodies the typical teenage experience. She grapples with the conflict between doing what's right and wanting to have fun. She finds her mother irritating and dreams of the day she can escape her family's constraints. Mattie often thinks about her friend Nathaniel Benson, who understands her aspirations.

Anderson skillfully immerses readers in the bustling atmosphere of Philadelphia, the nation's capital at the time. She vividly describes the city's busy streets filled with horsemen, carriages, and carts. Neighbors gossip while a dog barks at a pig running loose, and a blacksmith's hammer rings out on his anvil.

The author sets the scene by detailing the geography and political climate. From Mattie's coffeehouse, she can see the State House roof where Congress convenes. The coffeehouse is just two blocks from President Washington's residence. Politicians, merchants, and gentlemen gather there to enjoy coffee, a meal, and the latest news. On clear days, Mattie can spot the masts of ships docked at the Delaware River. These historical and geographical details quickly and effectively transport readers to the era.

Anderson uses specific events to enhance her historical narrative. She mentions Blanchard's yellow hot air balloon that ascended over Philadelphia in January 1793. She also highlights the work of the African Free Society and its brave members. Mattie's adventures are grounded in the real-life yellow fever epidemic, complete with accurate symptoms, treatments, and public attitudes.

The author captures the compassionate and honest nature of teenagers. She portrays Mattie as a genuine teen—exploring new ideas, personalities, and dreams. Anderson seems to view the world through the eyes of a fifteen-year-old. She captivates readers, taking them through Mattie's journey so effectively that they may find themselves cheering when Mattie's secret crush, Nathaniel Benson, takes notice of her.

Anderson's references to Philadelphia, its political environment, and notable events create an authentic and believable novel. She includes an appendix that details her key research findings.

Anderson utilizes a straightforward writing style characterized by simple sentences, everyday language, and clear, direct statements. The story is narrated in chronological order from the protagonist's perspective. Her realistic portrayal captures the yellow fever epidemic and the often harsh reactions to it.

Anderson's use of imagery is both detailed and impactful, though sometimes challenging to grasp. She vividly conveys the symptoms of yellow fever, including fever-induced delirium and vomiting of blood and black liquid. She describes the grim reality of people abandoning the dying on the streets, barring the sick from other cities, and burying the deceased in mass graves. Anderson provides sufficient detail to make the events believable without turning the novel into a horror story.

Anderson incorporates historical speech patterns and 1793-era slang, which may help young adults better understand this period in history.

Anderson demonstrates empathy for individuals facing this devastating epidemic. Her characters embody authentic attitudes within a historical framework. From the events at the coffeehouse to the brave volunteers of the Free African Society, Anderson showcases an understanding of women and girls—how they dream and how far they believe they can reach for those dreams.

Anderson included a facts appendix to address questions readers might have that couldn't be covered in the narrative. This extra section enhances the book's historical significance.

With kindness towards teenagers, Anderson narrates an honest story about an event that impacted thousands. She presents it from a teenage perspective, aligning the story with the attitudes and concerns of teen readers.

The author portrays Mattie's budding romance with Nathaniel in a tasteful and suitable manner. Their interactions include mild flirting, extra attention to one another, and a lot of enjoyment.

Anderson tackles the inherent struggle of illness and death with sensitivity. She illustrates how dire situations can lead to dire actions, such as abandoning the sick on the streets. The Free African Society exemplifies how extreme circumstances can inspire remarkable acts of human compassion and kindness.

Fever 1793 is available as an unabridged audiobook (six hours, four cassettes) narrated by Emily Bergl, released by Listening Library Inc. in October 2000. Besides Fever 1793, the collection includes other unabridged titles that depict the lives of children in different historical settings, such as a New York orphanage in 1926 and during the Irish potato famine.

As noted by AudioFile in 2001, Bergl maintains a steady pace in Fever 1793. She skillfully avoids sounding overly sentimental despite the continuous series of challenges. She effectively conveys Mattie's hopefulness and joy, along with the determination of other significant characters in the story.

The book is also available in a large print edition, published by Thorndike Press in June 2001.

Bradburn, Francis. Review of Fever 1793. Booklist, vol. 97, issue 3 (October 1, 2000): 332.

Burkam, Anita L. Review of Fever 1793. Horn Book Magazine, vol. 76, issue 5 (September 2000): 562.

Hudak, Tina. Review of Fever 1793 (audiobook). School Library Journal, vol. 47, issue 3 (March 2001): 84.

Isaacs, Kathleen. Review of Fever 1793. School Library Journal, vol. 46, issue 8 (August 2000): 177.

Review of Fever 1793. Publishers Weekly, vol. 247, issue 31 (July 31, 2000): 96.

Rich, Anna. Review of Fever 1793 (audiobook). Booklist, vol. 97, issue 15 (April 1, 2001): 1494.

Thompson, Constance Decker. Review of Fever 1793. New York Times Book Review, vol. 105, issue 47 (November 19, 2000): 45.

RELATED WEB SITES
Laurie's Bookshelf. http://www.writerlady.com. Accessed October 2002. This official author's site features biographical details, book recommendations, and useful links.