Fever 1793 Quotes

“It had been a good day, all things considered. I had managed rather well on my own. I opened Grandfather's Bible. This is what it would be like when I had my own shop, or when I traveled abroad. I would always read before sleeping. One day, I'd be so rich I would have a library full of novel to choose from. But I would always end the evening with a Bible passage.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“Had she ever enjoyed anything? Had every day been a struggle? Perhaps death would be a release, a rest for the weary.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“What did it feel like to die? Was it a peaceful sleep? Some thought it was full of either trumpet-blowing angels or angry devils. Perhaps I was already dead.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“She looks like a china doll,” observed Grandfather as we departed. “I will break just as easily,” I muttered.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“No. Absolutely not. I forbid it. You'll have nightmares."
"She was my friend! You must allow me. Why are you so horrid?"
As soon as the angry words were out of my mouth, I knew I had gone too far.
"Matilda!" Mother rose from her chair. "You are forbidden to pseak to me in that tone! Apologize at once.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“Life was a battle, and Mother a tired and bitter captain”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“Too much sleep is bad for your health, Matilda." She slipped a freshly made ball of butter into a stone crock. "It must be such a grippe, a sleeping sickness.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“If the president was back, then the fever was truly over. If the president was back, we were safe.
I threw my arms around Nathaniel and planted a big kiss on his cheek.
He pulled back in surprise.
“Do you always do that when the president rides by? If so, I’ll take a job working for him.”
I blushed and looked down at my feet.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“Wit is the most dangerous talent you can possess. It must be guarded with great discretion and good-nature, otherwise it will create you many enemies.”
—John Gregory
A Father’s Legacy to His Daughters, 1774”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“One had to be careful with elbows and boys”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“Our inhumane neighbors, instead of sympathizing with us tauntingly proclaim the healthfulness if their won cities…”
― Laurie Halse Anderson , Fever 1793

“Like most blacks in Philadelphia, Eliza was free. She said Philadelphia was the best city for freed slaves or freeborn Africans.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“The yellow sun rose, a giant balloon filled with prayers and hopes and promise.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“I’ve got a cake rising,” Eliza said. “I’m not leaving that for any man”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“Good afternoon, Nathaniel. Kindly return my basket.”
“Is that all you have to say? You disappoint me. I thought you would send me sailing into the horse trough at least. I guess you respect my new position as a man of the world.”
“You are not a man of the world, you clean paintbrushes, though for the life of me I don’t know why Mr. Peale bothers with you. And you will end up in that trough if you don’t give back my basket.” I paused. “Your shoe buckle is missing.”
“What?”
I grabbed the basket as he looked down to inspect his shoe.
“Very funny,” he said.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“Dr. Kerr rose off the bed. “Damned fool,” he growled. “Excuse me?” I said. “Rowley, the imposter. Autumnal fever indeed. Your mother has yellow fever. There’s no doubt at all.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“I’m just tired and I can’t sleep yet. A woman’s work is never done, isn’t that what the fools say?”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“Have you considered what you might do to help? You have recovered, so you cannot get the fever again. You are young and strong. We have a real need for you.”
“How can I help anyone? I’m just a girl.” As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I wanted to pinch myself. The first time anyone treats me like a woman and I respond like an infant.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“that's pretty good, for a young girl"
from Fever 1793”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“A plan began forming in my mind, but I quickly shushed the thought. I didn't have time to dream or plan. I would deal with each hour as it came, one step at a time.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“You might not hear back from your mother for a while, though. The post has become most unreliable.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“Life was a battle, and Mother a tired and bitter captain. The captain I had to obey.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793

“tried to reach the cake plate. My fingers fell just short. If I stretched all the way across the table, the seam under my arm would split open. Jeannine saw my dilemma, picked up the plate, and passed it in the opposite direction to her mother.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Fever 1793