Fever 1793 is a historical fiction novel written by Laurie Halse Anderson. While the book is based on real historical events, it is not a true story in the sense that the characters and specific events are fictionalized.
The novel is set during the yellow fever epidemic that struck Philadelphia in 1793. This epidemic was a real event that caused widespread panic and claimed thousands of lives. The author, Laurie Halse Anderson, conducted extensive research to accurately depict the time period, the impact of the epidemic, and the medical practices of the era.
However, the main characters, such as Matilda Cook, her family, and their friends, are fictional. Their experiences and interactions are created by the author to provide a personal and engaging narrative that brings the historical context to life.
In summary, while Fever 1793 is grounded in historical facts, it is a work of fiction that uses these facts to tell a compelling story.