This novel tells the story of Matilda Cook, a young girl(15) and her family during the summer of 1793 when yellow fever decimated the population of Philadelphia after the Revolutionary War. Philadelphia is the capital of the new fledgling nation with all the notable historical figures in residence including George Washington. Lucille Cook runs a local coffee house with her father in law, a former soldier with Washington, Captain William Farnsworth Cook.
The Cooks tragedies begin with the death of Polly, a friend of Mattie and employee of Lucille's. Anderson takes us through the horrible summer as more and more people die. Through this period Mattie grows up and matures into a very strong and capable young woman. It is an excellent book and I will rate it an 8.
The Cooks tragedies begin with the death of Polly, a friend of Mattie and employee of Lucille's. Anderson takes us through the horrible summer as more and more people die. Through this period Mattie grows up and matures into a very strong and capable young woman. It is an excellent book and I will rate it an 8.







