Fever 1793

March 4, 2002
PW
called this ambitious novel about the yellow fever epidemic that ravaged 18th-century Philadelphia "extremely well researched. However, larger scale views take precedence over the kind of intimate scenes that Anderson crafted so masterfully in Speak." Ages 10-up.

Few today can appreciate the devastation of a flu epidemic that touches everyone, both directly or indirectly. Emily Bergl narrates this historical novel set in the late eighteenth century with enthusiasm. She assumes the persona of 14-year-old Mattie, who faces challenges with an indomitable spirit. Bergl sets a reasonable pace and avoids sounding maudlin even when a seemingly endless series of misfortunes occurs. She maintains a light touch and brings out the optimism and cheeriness of Mattie, as well as the resigned perseverance of many of the important people in her life. While interesting to children of many ages, this could also make history come alive for kids studying the post-Revolutionary War period. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine


Narrator Bailey Carr gives a contemporary edge to 14-year-old Mattie in this new production of a stellar historical novel. Mattie's story starts out in familiar territory as she navigates chores, parental expectations, dreams of the future, and growing interest in boys. Carr mines Anderson's talent for going deep into the hearts and minds of teens, giving Mattie a touch of defiant sass and dreamy hope. It's almost a jolt to hear the post-Revolutionary War diction in the dialogue, complete with accents and airs communicating the ethnic and social diversity of Philadelphia in 1793. When Mattie is plunged into the horror of the most severe yellow fever epidemic in U.S. history, Carr's gentle voice guides listeners through what seems like an apocalypse. S.T.C. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine