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An American Plague is a 2003 novel by author Jim Murphy. This novel was published by Clarion Books. An American plague was one of the finalist in the 2003 National Book Award and was a 2004 Newbery Honor Book.

Plot
It is the year 1793 in Philadelphia. At this point Philadelphia is considered to be the largest city located in North America. The city is hit with an incurable and unknown disease to man. In this strong, suspending novel the author Jim Murphy describes a disease called the yellow fever and how it affected the residents of Philadelphia. In the novel he highlights the heroic roles and actions that the Philadelphia free blacks took in order to fight this deadly disease. He also didn't forget to let readers know about the constitutional crisis our first American president George Washington was facing that lead to him leaving he city of Philadelphia and everything behind because of this deadly disease. The cure for the disease was not found till centuries later. This novel portrays the agony and pain this disease brought upon our American people marking it's place in history in order to never be forgotten.

Characters
DR Benjamin Rush: Developed a radical treatment process for the yellow fever disease which involved withdrawing blood from patients and giving patients mercury and the root of a poisonous plant.

Mayor Matthew Clarkson: The only government leader who stayed to deal with the issues that were going on in Philadelphia when the plague was taking place.

President George Washington: Was involved with foreign affairs when the plague struck and was out of touch with the government affairs for the time length of six weeks while the plague was taking over Philadelphia.

Thomas Jefferson: Was the Secretary of State when the plague struck Philadelphia.

Edmond Charles Genet: Was the French minister who wanted the Americans to help France with their revolution.

The Reverand J. Henry c. Helmuth: Believed that the plague was a punishment sent by god because there was an increase in gambling as well as in drinking amongst the people of Philadelphia.

Absalom Jones: Was involved in the building of the St. George Methodist Church and after participating and helping build this church was told to sit in the back of the church by the church leaders.

Matthew Carey: Wrote a book that was pronounced to be a best seller called "A Short Account of the Malignant Fever"

DR William Currie: Believed that the fever came from a shipment that came from the West Indies and claimed that it was not the yellow fever.

Critical Reception
Critics that were able to engage with the book found it to be very intriguing. It has been stated that Jim Murphy created an impeccable book that draws the reader in while at the same time creating fear. He is able to describe how horrid this period of time was for history with solid research and amazing facts. In a lavishly illustrated book, containing maps, newspaper columns and period illustrations, Jim Murphy unflinchingly presents the horrors of the event as well as its heroes states Anita Silvey. "A mesmerizing, macabre account...powerful evocative prose... compelling subject matter...fascinating discussion...valuable lesson in reading and writing history. Stellar." KIRKUS REVIEWS, STARRED REVIEW Kirkus Reviews, was the reactions towards the book. "Leisurely, lyrical tone...Murphy injects the events with immediacy...archival photographs...bring the story to life...comprehensive history." was Publishers weekly opinion about this piece of literature. From the beginning, Murphy sets out to create a setting that honors the reality of the situation while drawing the reader in and hooking him in the dire situation stated Foster. Murphy spotlights the heroic role of Philadelphia's free blacks in combating the disease, and the Constitutional crisis that President Washington faced when he was forced to leave the city — and all his papers — while escaping the deadly contagion.

Awards

 * Sibert Medal
 * Newbery Honor
 * National Book Award Finalist