ACTUAL RATING: 3.75 I had high expectations for Fever 1793, and it most definitely didn't disappoint my expectations (maybe it even exceeded them!) It is a wonderful novel about survival - and the importance of family.
I don't usually read much historical fiction, but whatever books I do read in that genre always tend to be rather good. This being said, my expectations were high for Fever 1793
The characters in this story are well-done. Mattie is a great main character - she's a great role model to young children as well. I loved how Laurie Halse Anderson brought her to life with such realism that it felt like she was an actual person. I truly enjoyed watching her change from being the lazy daughter of a widow to becoming a strong young lady whose survival skills are quite superior.
Laurie Halse Anderson truly develops an excellent setting in this story! Readers will enjoy riding around pre-epedemic Philadelphia with Mattie and her family, and they will weep once they see the damage the epidemic does to such a thriving, and growing, town. Anderson truly makes the setting represent the time period! The dialect and speech are so realistically accurate to that of what was really spoken during this time period. This is amazing and it really helps readers understand Mattie's world! Every detail Anderson puts in...from the "general stores," to the lack of electricity, is so accurate! It truly helps the reader feel like they're following Mattie around her town!
My only minor concern regards the plot. Fever 1793 is most definitely written for pre-teens. And to say it simply, there is not a big enough conflict to keep adult readers as interested as young children. However, the plot and pacing, overall, are well done. The pacing is neither too fast nor too slow, and the plot is original and unique. And the writing is beautiful and emotion-provoking - with occasional humor sprinkled here and there!
All in all, this is a beautiful book. I will definitely be reading more of Anderson's novels. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves YA historical fiction. It's truly a beautiful story and it will stay with you forever.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
