My Dear Hamilton

by Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie

A general’s daughter…

Coming of age on the perilous frontier of revolutionary New York, Elizabeth Schuyler champions the fight for independence. And when she meets Alexander Hamilton, General George Washington’s penniless but passionate aide-de-camp, she’s captivated by the young officer’s charisma and brilliance. They fall in love, despite Hamilton’s bastard birth and the uncertainties of war.

A Founding Father’s wife...

But the union they create—in their marriage and the new nation—is far from perfect. From glittering inaugural balls to bloody street riots, the Hamiltons are at the center of it all—including the political treachery of America’s first sex scandal, which forces Eliza to struggle through heartbreak and betrayal to find forgiveness.

The last surviving light of the Revolution…

When a duel destroys Eliza’s hard-won peace, the grieving widow fights her husband’s enemies to preserve Alexander’s legacy. But long-buried secrets threaten everything Eliza believes about her marriage and her own legacy. Questioning her tireless devotion to the man and country that have broken her heart, she’s left with one last battle—to understand the flawed man she married and the imperfect union he never could have created without her…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Book Club, Historical, Audiobook, Romance, American History

641 pages, Hardcover

First published April 3, 2018

About the author

STEPHANIE DRAY is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of historical women’s fiction. Her award-winning work has been translated into eight languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. She lives with her husband, cats, and history books.

Reviews

[Marialyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star studded stars for you Mrs Eliza Hamilton were truly a star.

Alexander and Eliza met at George Washington's headquarters in the year 1780. From all accounts Alexander was quite taken with Elizabeth (Betsy and later Eliza) and she with him. Their backgrounds could not have been more varied, she the second daughter of the wealthy and well known Schuyler family of upstate New York, while he was the illegitimate son of a mother who was jailed for adultery and being a whore. The heritage that Alexander carried would never leave him and though he was brilliant, he carried around this blight on his character like a second skin.

The couple fell in love, married and went on to have seven children while they also for ten years raised the orphan daughter of a friend.

Alexander was brilliant, a revolutionary, a man who believed wholeheartedly with the idea of a central government, a man whose very ideas put him in direct opposition to those often in power. Friend to Washington until they had a falling out, he went up against the names we so know today, Jefferson, Monroe, Madison. He was a man of many appetites including those that involve the first sex scandal in politics (Oh the things they don't tell you in school!) However, Eliza loved him. She loved him with a passion that made her revere him even after learning of his dalliance(s) (perhaps even with her very own sister), but she forgave him and carried on his legacy. She saw in him the man he was, perhaps flawed as we all are, but a man she loved and admired.

Eliza had been brought up with the idea of gentility, wealth, and a definite spirit of fighting for what she believed in. What she believed in was her new formed nation and along with her husband they fought not only the war but its aftermath as people jockeyed for position and what they wanted for our young nation. Life was not easy for Eliza, being the mother to eight children, coping with the demands of her husband's position and dedication to what he believed and living with a man who was never known for staying quiet even when his thoughts and his words inflamed others. She never seemed to lose direction, although she faltered at times being devastated by Alexander's infidelity, she eventually forgave him and their marriage seemed to go on stronger than ever. She loved him with a brilliance that though at times dimmed was ever burning inside her heart and mind. She was a woman who embraced a strong belief in her husband, country, and family. Although often beset by tragedy, Eliza found the strength to continue on and become a strong vibrant advocate for Alexander and the country they helped to found.

Eliza lost her dear Hamilton to the bullet fired by Aaron Burr in a duel but she in the many years she lived after his death, held that concept that her husband should be remembered. He was, although never President, a rock on which our nation was founded. She never wanted this country to forget that.

Reading this wonderful novel made me once again realize what utter strength, courage, and determination, not only the men who founded our nation had, but also the women who stood next to them as each day passed. For Eliza, her dream that her Alexander would be remembered has become a reality. He and she have both lived on right next to those of the others who founded this nation and gave us the start to becoming the world leader we are today. A thank you seems so small a thing for when you realize what they did for the future, for our future, for what they envisioned us to be those simple words become meaningless words for to them we owe our liberty, our strength, and our great nation. We owe them our life.

With this wonderful book I have started my brand new fresh out of the box blog. You can find me and it at https://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpres...

[Ann Marie (Lit·Wit·Wine·Dine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can read this and all of my reviews at Lit·Wit·Wine·Dine.

Prior to reading this book, I was not wrapped up in all of the Hamiltonmania. I have not seen Hamilton on Broadway. I have not listened to a single song on the soundtrack. That has all changed, my friends. I am a believer and it’s all because of this book! I’m stalking Stub Hub and entering the Hamilton lottery on a daily basis. I’m on the verge of spending a ridiculous amount of money on tickets. If the play is as good as this book, it’ll be money well spent. I realize they may be very different stories but My Dear Hamilton has truly kindled in me a desire to learn more about this part of American history. (Or relearn since I’m sure the good people who issued my H.S. diploma did touch upon this period back in the day.)

Before I go on to list everything I loved about this book, I’m just going to put this out there: There was not a single thing I had an issue with. Nothing I can criticize in 637 pages.

This is the third book I’ve read recently that is co-authored. (Is this a new trend or is it a coincidence?) The writing is so beautiful and seamless it’s unbelievable. The authors obviously did a tremendous amount of research in terms of the historical content. But seriously, I was blown away by the gorgeous prose. The voice they gave to Eliza Huntington was one any woman would be proud to have. Like many of the most loved and respected women in history, Eliza was a force. She was intelligent – both emotionally and intellectually. She knew how to finesse situations private and political to further the agenda of the side she felt was in the right. She maintained public composure while under unimaginable duress. She loved her family with a loyalty and ferocity that made her a formidable opponent when threatened or challenged. In short, I loved her.

Sadly, hers was not an easy life in any sense. Women, it seems, were not meant to have lives of their own in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Despite the fact that she influenced the man who influenced so much of Americas past and present, Eliza was, on a day-to-day basis, expected to be the quiet and supportive wife. Though she was proud of her husband’s career and accomplishments, this understandably frustrated her.

Eliza’s relationship with Hamilton was as complicated as Hamilton himself. Though this is Eliza’s story, I really enjoyed getting to know Hamilton through the eyes of the authors.

If you love historical fiction and books with strong female characters, My Dear Hamilton is a must read!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was the wife of Alexander Hamilton longer than she was Elizabeth Schuyler, daughter of a general, and she was a widow much longer than she was a wife. Eliza Hamilton’s story is dramatized, conflated, compressed and contains well-researched conjecture as little primary source material about her remains. However, Mrs. General Hamilton’s story is peopled with the flawed historic men and women who fought and struggled to create a nation. Prepare yourself for a rollicking read about battles, balls and betrayal; the first sex scandal, duels, political intrigue and the examination of a complicated union between complicated people. Once again, my lack of knowledge is underscored by a work of fiction. I believe, in the not too distant future, I will read Ron Chernow’s much lauded biography, Hamilton.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING! I have read several historical romances detailing the relationship of Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schulyer, and this is by far my favorite. Stephanie Dray captures the perfect blend of history, romance and character development, using Alex’s past as an illegitimate child throughout the novel and his insecurities to inform the choices he makes throughout his adult life. It’s so well-developed through Eliza’s perspective, and focuses not only on Hamilton’s mistakes, but his emotional state, his insecurities, and their growth in their marriage, as well as a deep and abiding love, which makes it very, very enjoyable from the perspective of a romance read, despite the historical facts which cannot be refuted.

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.

[Minni Mouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

HELPLESS. Best of wives and best of women.



All right, here's the thing: American history is terribly boring and this book is ridiculously long. It took me four months to finish it -- which never happens -- and that's taking into account that I DNFed it at the 78% mark. I also think that while the author has skill in writing, her writing style here and account of Eliza Hamilton came across too matter-of-fact for me.

When we think about how Lin-Manuel took some of the most boring political machinations and made it an utterly compelling story, we realize there has to be a strong driving force behind the characters that drives us alongside them every step of the way. While this book did a good job taking took us along with Eliza's thought process throughout the years, it also would have been nice to share her emotional state as well. Even Peggy's, her mother's, Philip's, Alexander's, and her father's deaths were so factual. We read her thoughts as she processes these losses but we don't feel them apart from with our minds.

Qué lástima.

FAVORITE QUOTES

Worse than that, he made me despair of the traitor in him, too. For though Alexander Hamilton did not betray his country, he did betray me. And now, I struggle with whether love or hate burns more intensely inside me.

But then, as a young woman contemplating marriage, the Arnold situation was a stark reminder that to marry a man was to share his fate and be vulnerable to all his decisions and mistakes.

________

An entire generation was growing up in a world without sure principles by which to live in peace. And I couldn’t help but wonder, would my own son, after what he’d seen in the streets, come of age believing that there was no way to solve any problem but with a club or a pistol?

________

He wanted some answer of me. Some reply. But I was too much in a daze. Too lost in a barrage of brutal imaginings.

Did he kiss the back of her neck, the way he kissed mine? Did she smell of sweet perfume or a lustful feminine musk instead of milk and sweat and motherhood like me?

Hamilton finally rose and pressed his forehead to mine. “You must say something, my angel. If only to condemn me for the sinner I am. You must say something.”

But I said nothing at all. Because words were his weapon; silence was mine. And he couldn’t win an argument if I didn’t start one.

________

I knew my husband regretted this woman. I also knew most wives overlooked infidelity. Only a select few divorced. But in New York State, adultery was the only grounds upon which a woman could seek a divorce. And I will not say I didn’t flirt with the thought at night, in our now very cold bed.

But to what end? It wouldn’t undo the pain. And who would I be if I wasn’t Alexander Hamilton’s wife? Weeping into the kerchief Monroe had pressed into my hand while offering comfort and strength, I felt as much a stranger to myself as Hamilton was now to me. I scarcely spoke to my husband, beyond that which was necessary for the children’s sake. And I felt too exhausted to care for my own dignity.

________

But I wasn’t the one to subject them to such a possibility, so I said, “I wouldn’t wish that. Yet, in trying to cure you of your fear of abandonment, I’ve somehow convinced you that you may do and say anything, and your Betsy will stay loyally at your side. I convinced myself, too. But I think it better, in times like these, for us to acknowledge that marriage is a choice, one made, every day, anew. And trust me when I say I don’t know which choice I shall make come morning.”

________

In the midst of that peaceful, country field, he stopped me with a hand upon my elbow. “You forgive me?”

“For everything. With all my heart.” I reached for his hand, which he took and squeezed like a drowning man.

And yet he didn’t look convinced. “You say this only because you want to die at peace with me. But what if we live? Can you live with—” He shook his head and swallowed, as if remembering our last quarrel. “Can you choose each morning to live with me in forgiveness, despite what I’ve done?”

What had he done, after all? He’d put his hands on another woman. He’d taken momentary pleasure in guttural breaths and animal spasms. Yes, Alexander had done violence to my feelings and to my pride and to our wedding vows. But it all seemed so transient, so temporal now. For whatever wrongs he’d done me, he’d also given me a happier life than I’d believed myself destined for. He’d opened my heart and my mind; he’d taught me to think and to see injustice where I’d not seen it before. He’d taught me to stand for righteous causes. I could do more.

And if I lived, I would do more.

But first, I forgave my husband. Because I was a Christian, because I loved him, and because I must never allow Maria Reynolds to define us. “I do so choose to live with you, Alexander Hamilton,” I said, as if it were a wedding vow. “In forgiveness and grace and love, so long as we draw breath.”

________

“Do you know I offered to give up my ambitions and leave government for her? Theodosia wouldn’t have it. Now she’s gone and ambition is all that’s left.”

I should’ve heard the threat in those words. But at the time, my heart filled with such pity for his agony that I took the liberty of squeezing his hand—never dreaming that same hand would one day inflict that same agony upon me.

________

“I am not mad.”

“No?” I asked, thinking his behavior erratic. To prove it, I held up three different scribblings I’d found on his desk. “What do I see here? An essay in defense of the Jay Treaty that you wrote for the papers under one pen name. A second, written under a different name in which you anonymously praise yourself for writing the first. And then a raving third, pretending to add to the imaginary choir! It’s madness.”

________

In truth, it went on for days as Alexander worked on the address, scribbling words and crossing them out.

Eventually, he removed the line to which I objected. That and many others, taking into consideration my suggestions, leaving me awed with the magnitude of the masterpiece. I knew, even then, that the Farewell Address was a moving and worthy tribute to the United States and its people. A plea for unity. A statement of purpose and guidance for the nation George Washington helped bring into being.

And because of Alexander Hamilton, I had the great and everlasting fortune to be a part of its shaping.

________

To his litany of horrific consequences, my father added, “And if your mama was innocent . . . as she surely was . . . then to insult her with an accusation would make me the vilest of knaves. I should consider myself condemned to hell-fires if I treated your mother with such rank suspicion—a woman who entrusted herself to me, risked her very life to bring my children into the world. A woman who defended my lands, served as wise steward over my household, and blessed my life with her wisdom, friendship, affection, and love. Such ingratitude would damn me in the eyes of myself and my god.”

So, he would not ask, I thought. He would never ask. My father, like the mathematician he was, had added it all up—the sums of love and happiness and disappointments in a marriage—and come to the conclusion that it didn’t matter.

________

All my life I’d taken comfort from religion, but these words offered me no solace, and from my mouth came the keening of a wounded animal, a ghastly howl of despair. My cheeks streaked with salty tears, the skirt of my delicate pink dress stained with acrid sweat and dried blood, I was overcome with a desire to smash everything in my path—silver mirrors, blue china, crystal wineglasses. To sweep off the elegant tables all my sister’s goblets, candlesticks, and trinkets that held no worth in a world without Philip.

But I was stopped by the sight of Alexander hovering, shattered, over the deathbed of our boy, and the absurd thought that I couldn’t endure to see one more thing broken . . .

And because my husband was shattered, I couldn’t endure to see him.

FINAL THOUGHTS
The reason this is a four-star review despite me DNFing it is it reads like smart, true piece of history. We never trivialize or overly romanticize it past the point or recognition, as some historical fiction does, and it portrays Eliza "Betsy" Hamilton as wicked clever, intuitive, and steady as a rock.

Werk. ✌🏻

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook narrated by Cassandra Campbell 23h 07 minutes 22secs


I am about as articulate as an Oscar winner at the moment, but I am going to try and put a few words together.

Damn...Eliza Schuyler (pronounced Skylar) Hamilton, you have proved to be one of the most fascinating women I have ever read about in the pursuit of historical fiction. Daughter of a decorated officer, wife of a founding father, friend or foe to many American presidents, and a formidable supporter of the new United States.

Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie present a rich and very thorough story of one woman's life. Living to the age of 97, Eliza takes readers on a journey from the battlefields of the Revolution to the political world as a new country figures out its identity. The aforementioned authors have set the bar quite high and I doubt anyone is going to want to tackle Eliza any time soon.

A real "tour de force" and a must for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton was an independent thinking, courageously strong woman. Her father thought of her as the practical daughter. She says of herself ". . . if there is anything that marks my character, it's that I have never rested easily in the face of injustice." The Schuyler coat of arms motto is Semper Fidelis -- Always Faithful, Always Loyal. Elizabeth "Betsy" was faithful and loyal to her family, friends, and nation. Her father, Philip Schuyler, held to the personal philosophy "forgiven and forgotton." These words will resignate throughout her almost century long life.

Betsy married Alexander Hamilton and was his partner in both their marriage and Hamilton's political career. In 1789, he was appointed Secretary of the Treasury of said United States. During Alexander's life Elizabeth "Eliza" would support her husband and forgive his infidelity. She would say of Hamilton, "He'd fought and won a war and built a federal government. He'd created the coast guard, a national bank and invested in a scheme of taxation that held the states together. He'd founded a political party, smashed a rebellion and put in motion a financial system that was providing prosperity for nearly everyone. In short, Alexander Hamilton was a greater man than the country deserved, and I wasn't enough of a patriot to willingly give him back."

Hamilton died from participating in a duel with Aaron Burr. Eliza's first born son, Philip, died in a duel three years before his father's death. These are just two deaths of several she will suffer through her lifetime. She will claim she "is no saint, but I was Alexander's angel. And I want to avenge him." Yet, it is the letters left by her husband to John Lauren and her sister's, Angelica, letters from Alexander that will make Eliza question his integrity. "Who was Alexander Hamilton? A traitor or a patriot? A visionary or a fool? A gentleman or a fraud?" But in the years following the duel and far into Eliza's widowhood, she will come to terms over the love and betrayal and infidelity. "Because the people we know are not entirely knowable, even to themselves. But we love them anyway."

I highly recommend this well written, historical fiction novel centered around Eliza Schuyler Hamilton.

[Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I want to say that this is a book that I was really thrilled to get the chance to read. I fell in love with the cover the first time I saw it and I was intrigued by the blurb. And, I'm glad to say that the book was just as good as I had hoped it to be.

My Deat Hamilton is a massive novel, almost 700 pages and it took me around 2,5 days to read it. I was lucky enough to have a weekend off and let me tell you that it's the kind of book that that, despite the size of it, never get boring although I have to admit it the political side of the story was not my favorite part to read about, still I found it interesting to learn more about this period of time. My knowledge of Alexander Hamilton and his wife Eliza Schuyler Hamilton was not great before I started to read this book, which for me was a plus. I love not knowing too much sometimes when I read a historical fiction. Also, this book may have been about Alexander and Eliza, but I simply came to adore Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette from the very first time he appeared in the story. He's such a charismatic person that it felt like everyone around him faded a bit when he appeared. I might have a bit of a crush on him, to be honest.

As for the story, one can really feel that Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie have done their research and also managed to write a story that doesn't feel too long, which is a great thing because writing a book with almost 700 pages and managed to keep the readers attention all the way through is a great achievement.

I will end this review by saying that My Dear Hamilton is a fabulous novel which gives an insight into the marriage between Alexander and Eliza but also shows the foundation of the United States that we know today. And, the book also shows how good friends fell out and turned on each other...

I want to thank William Morrow for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collaboration of two very talented writers brings an insightful image of a remarkable woman Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton: “…the boyish sort of girl who preferred climbing trees and hiking through the woods, or the veritable spinster, more concerned with nursing sick soldiers than landing one for a husband.” But Alexander Hamilton’s love had changed everything.

1780 Morristown, New Jersey. On a cold winter day “and in the darkest hour of the war,” Eliza carries a letter from her father to General Washington at Ford Mansion. At the bustling headquarters, she meets a young aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton.

Their attraction is instant. He is torn, because of his background of illegitimacy, not matching her social status. But she accepts him. His manners, intelligence and ambition are what matters to her.

As a wife, she learns how to manage temperamental outbursts of her husband. And she learns from an experienced wife, namely Mrs. Washington. “Sometimes we encourage, sometimes we challenge, and sometimes we manage…”

1783 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Now, a congressman’s wife as Hamilton was “elected to serve as one of New York’s five delegates to the Congress of the Confederation.”

The Treaty of Paris grants America her independence, forcing the British soldier to leave the newly forming lands. With that, the aftermath brings unstable currency, hostility, and the lawlessness. “No sooner had we driven the king from our shores than we seemed intent on proving that we were uncivilized people who couldn’t live without a monarch to keep us from behaving as beasts.”

The confrontation continues with those for or against a strong central government.

When George Washington becomes the first President, Alexander Hamilton becomes the first Secretary of the Treasury.

As Hamilton’s career advances, his private life takes a different turn. He claims it was a set up involving a woman. And now he is blackmailed for adultery.

He “embroiled himself in two affairs of honor in the space of an hour.”

Years later, another duel doesn’t go well for Hamilton.

Told with impeccable prose and smooth dialogue, progressing easily and naturally. The etiquette of ballrooms, rivalry of soldiers, courtly manners and intelligence come alive in this complex story.

Set against the wars for independence and conspiring time to build a new country free of king, with its new laws. It brings a very insightful history lesson, full of ambition, rivalry and love. A very passionate love for creating a new nation.

Above all, this is a story of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton. A woman who went through marriage and motherhood, who experienced losing a husband, child and a sister who was also a very close friend and confidante. Her feelings and emotions through all this are movingly depicted.

[Mandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a disappointment. It is a fictional story masquerading as historical fiction. It would have been a fun read if it did not say it was based on Eliza Hamilton. I read this book after reading Chernow's Hamilton, thinking it would be a cool supplemental read. I read about 90% of My dear Hamilton, and then had to put it down. I could not handle how far the author strayed from the few things we do know about Eliza Hamilton and what happened. It disturbs me that people are reading this book thinking it is true historical fiction and could have happened that way. I put it down realizing it was not worth my time and I do not want to fill my head with this fiction and push out all the things I learned from reading Hamilton.

[Connie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, a daughter in the New York Schuyler family, was a fascinating woman. She met Alexander Hamilton when he was an aide-de-camp to General Washington during the Revolutionary War. Although Eliza had other suitors, she fell in love with the charming, handsome Hamilton and they were wed in 1780.

Alexander Hamilton is portrayed as a brilliant, hard-working man who had important roles in the war and in the new United States government. He was a Federalist who believed in a strong central government. His opposition was Thomas Jefferson and his friends who favored strong state governments. Hamilton was very knowledgeable about finance, authored most of "The Federalist", was the first Secretary of the Treasury, and created a national bank. However, he was haunted by his difficult childhood and illegitimate birth. Eliza was the mother of their large family. She also entertained political friends, offered help and advice to her husband in a time of political unrest, and was very involved in charitable work.

The Hamilton's marriage was on shaky ground when a sex scandal was revealed, and Eliza wondered if she could find forgiveness in her heart. Eliza and Alexander were also challenged by the deaths of close family members. After Alexander Hamilton was felled by a bullet in a duel with Aaron Burr in 1804, Eliza went through his papers and arranged for a biography to be written about her famous husband. She also found some upsetting personal information among Hamilton's letters. In her later life, Eliza did important work with charities helping widows and orphans, and with a school for children of former slaves.

I enjoyed this fictionalized biography of Eliza Hamilton. It brought the Founding Fathers, the Hamiltons, and the Schuylers to life as people. The book also showed the precarious position of the fledgling country with its rival factions, lack of a standing military, and shortage of funds. Even though the novel is over 600 pages long, "My Dear Hamilton" felt shorter because it always held my interest. 4.5 stars.

[Stephanie Anze · Rating 5 out of 5]

".... there is not a breath in any American's life that is not shaped in some way by Alexander Hamilton.
My husband. My hero. My betrayer."


Five stars for a formidable woman!

Elizabeth Schuyler knows how to handle herself around statesmen and dignitaries. Her father, General Philip Schuyler, is often in the company of them so its quite a surprise when she becomes smitten by Alexander Hamilton. George Washington's personal aide de camp, Alexander charms Eliza amd the two embark on a legendary love story. They marry, and have children together. Eliza is there for Alexander's successes as well as faillures, she lives the glory as well as the scandals. Through it all Eliza is present, a veritable lioness to a man that helped shape America.

This book is absolutely fantastic! Hands down, this is the best historical fiction book of the year (for me at least, how is it possible that its not even in the running for best HF book anymore I do not understand). Having read 'America's First Daughter' I simply could not wait to read this book. The prose is executed with finesse. The characterization is just magnificent. The historical background so seamlessly integrated with the narrative that its difficult to tell fact from fiction. The pace absolutely on point. If you think history is boring, you need to read this book. We know who Alexander Hamilton is, an iconic American figure that helped shaped the United States. It is way over due that we also know who Elizabeth Schuyler is as well. This woman braved the same storms, lost the same battles, faced the same tragedies and enjoyed the same glories as Alexander but (until now) was just the wife. I loved to learn that Eliza had a great influence over Alexander and more than matched his zeal and passion for the new country. She is a formidable, revolutionary and exemplary woman. She had to sacrifice too and made contributions to the founding of the union as well. Their relationship was complicated. Alexander was smart, driven and eloquent but also brash, impulsive and unaware of how the consequences of his actions affected his family. This book deals with Alexander Hamilton but make no mistake, the protagonist is Eliza.

From the first line to the last page, this book captivated me, entralled me completely. I did not want it to end. Its plain to see that Dray and Kamoie did their research in depth. Back in the day, I took AP US History, one of my more demanding classes. I recall Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe but if Eliza was mentioned, it was in passing. I bring this up because I feel that part of history is simply overlooked. Eliza's contributions are not a mere thing to be glossed over. On a separate note, I want to say that the game of politics has not changed that dramatically since the 1800's. Allies and friends can become enemies in a heartbeat, money still corrupts and integrity is hard to find. Alexander Hamilton helped shape the country but also was part of the first political sex scandal. There is is not a single founding father without fault. Eliza was betrayed by Alexander but theirs is still a great relationship . She said it best "...the people we love are not entirely knowable. Even to themselves. But we still love them anyway." How I hope that Dray and Kamoie keep deligting us with these books. Please, let there be another one in the works. Bravo ladies!

[Colleen Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa whoa whoa. This book was amazing. Let me tell you. This book gave me so much to go on. I love the fact that the author gives us the facts and makes this book such an easy read. I love books about real people and real life. Let me tell you that this book has some tea also. If you want to know more about our founding fathers and Alexander Hamilton this book is it. I couldn't stop reading this book. Most history books are boring to me, but not this one. I give it 5 stars.

[Laura Tenfingers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good read. It was a good description of Alexander Hamilton, informative as to his life, accomplishments and personality. But the novel's portrayal of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton seemed to fall short. The Alexander part was based on historical fact. The Eliza part was mostly fiction. The authors did a great job with the historical part but I think they missed a great opportunity in the fiction part.

Hamilton's personality was described beautifully but Eliza's was not, even though she was our main character. She seemed flat. She never minded her circumstances, which for a woman raised in luxury must have been a constant drain. Eight kids, little to no servants or slaves, a workaholic husband absent half of the time, entertaining his colleagues at the drop of a hat, and always short on money...and yeah, not problem. Her daily life seemed quite unrealistic.

I also felt that the authors were trying to impress on us that Eliza helped her husband with his work. I could tell they were trying to do this but I don't think they actually succeeded. There were conversations shared and she copied documents for him but she also seemed to be often dismissed by him. They could have portrayed her as smarter and her contributions as more clutch than they did.

The writing was good and it was very informative so I think I'll likely read America's First Daughter soon.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways and I’m so glad I did! After seeing Hamilton on Broadway a couple of years ago I, like the authors, wanted to know more about Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. Much to my chagrin, there really weren’t any books (historical or otherwise) about her.

Eliza wanted to make sure that Alexander’s story was told and I was eagerly awaiting someone to tell hers. Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie did an excellent job doing just that.

There haven’t been many books lately that have made me lose sleep to finish but this one certainly did. My Dear Hamilton is such a well-written book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to reading their other work because I’m a little sad that this one is over!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but as a personal manner, I absolutely cannot handle reading about cheating situations. I did not make it as far as the cheating scandal because I can already feel it looming ahead and I'm already getting upset... unfortunately I have to put this away and call it a day. What I did read, though, I LOVED (up to page 210) and I cannot wait to read more by Stephanie Dray.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eliza Hamilton. . .mostly. . .is the subject of this interesting book. It is built upon a mostly sturdy skeleton of basic facts known of her life. From there this book is writerly fiction of how her life might have gone if a plethora of ifs took place, rather than a historical fiction.

That sounds damning, and that is not intended - what I mean to say is that to me this book is a fictional story - clever, and as calculated as a game of Settlers of Catan where if you have x by z what might happen?? Page after page the imaginings go on and are interesting to consider. . . but I noted a few nagging irritations as I read along. First - isn't this a dilution of whatever truth hangs between the scanty facts of history? But then, isn't any speculation? And a list of facts is dry. . . . religious stories, national origin tales, heries with unexplained motives and endings . . .are much better draped with a dose of "what if", and sprinkled with romantic pairings that could have been. . . I wondered how Alexander and Eliza would feel at having their marriage, their life laid out right down to the most intimate huffs and puffs - not exactly the topics of which they thought "going down in history" might actually consist?

There were times in this story where Eliza's life view was far more 21st century than her own century, and her ease with sexual activities the same - at least to my thinking. I'm not convinced she would have been as politically correct in speech and feeling as she was portrayed.

At the end there were many authorial explanations of "why we wrote what we wrote how we wrote it" and that only confirmed all my sidebar feelings / questions as I read along. The statement that there is no bio of Eliza Schuyler as of the time the authors were writing, and Eliza left nothing behind in writing herself only firmed up my suspicions.

All that said, by the end of the very the tale it is an interesting story. Yet, I'd felt as if I'd had a very watery broth - rather than the stew promised. This feels like a lot of fiction with some history tossed in.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, well-written, thoroughly researched, historical fiction novel which is based on actual persons and events. I was truly immersed in Eliza's haunting story, experiencing her joy, sorrow, heartbreak, betrayal, and triumph. The authors' notes are interesting and informative, and are truly appreciated. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Cassandra Campbell, did an amazing job depicting the characters, their emotions and personalities. I own a paperback copy of this book, and used my copy for reference.

[Cinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been bingeing on history lately. I enjoyed this historical novel focusing on Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that takes the reader on the journey of Alexander Hamilton's life.
He seems very unlikely to get married, but once he met Eliza Schulyer he was smitten. She was always he most ardent encourager.
After the dueling tragedy struck, Eliza fought to get control of all of Hamilton's papers. She had no idea of what she might find.
After her sister Angelia died she also had letters and other things which Eliza was able to keep.
Hamilton had not been the husband she adored. There was a dark side she could hardly fathom.
After a time she come to a peaceful feeling, along with sons and daughter.
No man is perfect.
I won this Free book from Goodreads first reads.
Thank you Goodreads.

[Chasity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction at its best. Through this account Eliza’s life, I learned so much about how America was founded. She made as much of an impact as her husband, I believe.
I’ve watched Hamilton the musical a couple times and listened to the music, to the annoyance of my husband, countless times. I’ve been more able to catch the references made in the musical after reading My Dear Hamilton.
It’s obviously how tirelessly the authors researched Eliza and her family. I can’t imagine how hard Eliza worked to sustain her family. Not to mention her contributions to other causes.
Narrative on audio was superb by Cassandra Campbell- she embraced Eliza’s character as well as giving voice to all other characters.
Loved every minute.

[Erika Robuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another tour de force from the this dynamite writing team! What a story! What a life!

Highly recommended.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily my favorite book of 2018 and I highly doubt anything will knock it out of that #1 spot. I'm left with goosebumps. Such a rich book. Chock full of history and so engrossing. If you love history, you'll love this book. I'm left respecting Hamilton the founding father but truly loving his wife, Eliza.

[Andi (A Literal Hottie) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 ½ stars

It's not a bad book, I mean it's about America's history but I found it so boring. I wanted more juice, like more of the drama between Angelica and Eliza. After finishing the book I understand why that's not the focus but in general Eliza was too forgiving which made me not like her at all. Since the book is about her, that would explain why I didn't enjoy this one. If you love American history or Alexander Hamilton is your thing then I would recommend it, otherwise skip it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing and richly told tale of a strong women with strong moral character

SUMMARY
Eliza Schuyler Hamilton was a general’s daughter who comes of age in the frontier of upstate New York during the American Revolution. When she meets Alexander Hamilton, Washington’s passionate aide-de-camp, she is captivated by his charisma and brilliance. She soon becomes his wife, but their union is far from perfect. When a duel ultimately destroys Eliza’s marriage, she fights her husband’s enemies to preserve Hamilton’s legacy. But long-buried secrets threatens everything Eliza believes about her marriage and her own legacy.

But the measure of a man, of a life, of a union of man and wife or even country is not in the falling. It’s in the rising back up again to repair what’s broken, to put right what’s wrong. Your father and I did that. We always did that. He never stop trying until the day he died. And neither will l.

REVIEW
I was drawn like a moth to a flame by this intriguing and enlightening historical fiction book. Having read Hamilton’s biography by Ron Chernow and seen the Hamilton Broadway play, I looked forward to learning more about Eliza Hamilton and her contribution as one of the founding mothers of this nation. MY DEAR HAMILTON did not disappoint. It delivers a dramatic part-historical, part-fictional narrative of Eliza’s life during the years of 1775-1837.

Since very little historical source material exists for Eliza, the authors had an uphill battle and had to extrapolate much of what they wrote. Authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie did a stellar job capturing the woman, her character, her contributions and her place in history. The writing was smart and highly entertaining. In reading historical fiction it is always important to understand the liberties taken in the book, the author’s note at the end of the book are a must-read.

The story is a richly told tale of a strong woman with strong character, who led an interesting and challenging life. The book is long, at 652 pages. I listened to the audio book for over 23 hours. This book reminds me of one of my favorite historical fiction novels, America’s First Daughter, which was also written by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. Both books are delightful and bring strong and courageous women from America’s past to life.

“What a high-minded thing revolution had seemed when it started; but now I wondered if, in trying to bring about liberty, we’d instead opened the gates of endless war, bloodshed, and immorality.”

Publisher William Morrow
Published April 3, 2018
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

[Stephanie (Bookfever) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Dear Hamilton was my #1 highest anticipated book of 2018 and I'm so very glad to say that it was everything I wanted and it even exceeded my expectations, which is something that almost never happens. It's the best book I've read this year! Now it's been almost a week since I finished reading My Dear Hamilton (while I'm writing this review) and I have such a book hangover from the book. I can't keep my attention to any other book I want to pick up because nothing else is and will be as good. So far I haven't been able to write a review for it either because no words will describe how amazing this book was and how much I loved it. But I will try.

Going into this book I almost knew nothing about Alexander Hamilton except for the most basic facts. I did read a short biography about him before reading this book so I would have some knowledge. But I knew even less about his wife Eliza. Most books about or involving Alexander Hamilton are mainly about Hamilton himself with almost nothing about Eliza, which is why everyone should pick up My Dear Hamilton.

My Dear Hamilton is a captivatng book right from the start. I was hooked from the very first page. And I just can't describe how much I loved reading about Eliza and how much I came to admire her. She's one of my favorite figures in history for sure now. She went through so many heartbreak, not just with Alexander but also with life in general, but she kept getting back up ever single time so I can only be in awe of her.

I was a little surprised by how much I ended up feeling about Alexander. I went from initionally loving him to hating him to loving him and hating him again. I know hate is a strong word but the book was so compelling that it kept being an emotional rollercoaster until the very end. And I did cry a couple of times, which is really out of character for me when reading books so that should give you a good idea of how powerful this book was.

Also, with a novel co-written by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie you can be 100% sure that it'll be extensively researched, with quotes directly from primary sources. I could really tell that both authors poured their heart and soul into this book.

Overall, My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie is a captivating, powerful and unputdownable read. It's my favorite book of the year and I doubt any other book will change that. This is historical fiction at its best.

[Corey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not sure why there are so many high reviews for this book. This is essentially a 700 page romance novel riding on the coattails of the Hamilton success. If I had only known what this book was before I became so invested that I had to finish it, I would have never started it in the first place. The one star is only for some historical details I learned from the story.

[Leona · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly don't get all the hype with this book. Every time I started to read it, I got so bored I had to put it down, and move onto something else. Needless to say, I didn't find it to be the absorbing, magnificent, and stunning read that everyone else did.

Are there different editions?

[The Lit Bitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamilton is everywhere thanks to Lin-Manuel Miranda! All of a sudden US History is cool again and everyone wants to get their hands on the hottest tickets in town!

Currently the musical is playing in Portland which is near where I live and tickets are going for $400 a pop. I’ve been trying to enter the giveaway thing that they do for tickets but never seems to win—does anyone???

So like so many other Americans I too have jumped on the Hamilton train and plan to ride it all the way until I can see the musical which will likely never happen at this rate but a girl can dream!

That’s where this book comes in. Since I am not able to see the musical, why not just try a new hot trendy book about Hamilton? Full disclosure….I have my masters in US History so I should be able to tell you more about Hamilton beyond the fact that he was a founding father and was shot by Aaron Burr (thank you 1993 Got Milk commercial!!)…..but beyond that all I have are crickets.

When this book came up for review, I jumped on it! While it’s a fictionalized account, it still has deep roots in early American history.

This story focuses on Eliza Schuyler Hamilton rather than on Hamilton himself and I loved that. They always say that behind every good man is a good woman so I am always interested to see what the backstory is with wives of powerful men. Just think about what they endured and how they handled difficult situations is fascinating and Eliza’s story was no different. I loved reading about her, I fell in love with her almost from the beginning.

I went into this one completely blind because not only did I have limited knowledge of Hamilton himself, but I had zero knowledge of Eliza nor was it something that I ever really pondered. So I had no real expectations for this book which left me free to enjoy it completely on its own.

I have see other reviewers comment about how Eliza is such an excellent example of a strong women who balanced her political life and her personal life as a wife seamlessly and I would say that I completely agree with those opinions. The authors portrayed her in such a favorable light, she was truly a unique woman and I loved how strong but yet vulnerable she could be when the time was appropriate. She was clearly meant to be the star of the book, but for me she was the shooting star! I loved reading about her and her life.

Sometimes I hesitate on books by two authors, especially fiction. Two authors can sometimes work ok in non fiction, but in fiction it always seems to be a struggle. So I did have my reservations about this book but I know that these two writers have teamed up before on America’s First Daughter (the story of Thomas Jefferson’s daughter), while I haven’t read that book, I have seen great reviews on it so I was eager to read this one. The book read like a single author book and for that I was thankful! Both authors wrote beautifully and I never felt like I was reading an entirely different style.

I love that these two seem to be making their way through the untold stories of the women behind the founding fathers. I love to see US History coming alive in such a new and exciting way! If you have caught Hamilton fever to maybe you just like US History, or strong women, or untold stories….whatever your interests are this book has something for you to enjoy. Even if you aren’t into history at all, Eliza is such a strong character with an interesting life that you won’t even feel like you’re reading history!

See my full review here

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Dear Hamilton is told in Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton's voice. Eliza is wife and partner to Alexander Hamilton; she is also his collaborator and visionary in her own right. She describes the early, tumultuous years of the United States, from the earliest days of the revolution to her husband's death and beyond, a period of about 70 years.

Eliza also describes her transformation from young and naive girl to a politician as savvy (or more) than Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton is portrayed as passionate, but unable or unwilling to be politic in how he reached his political goals. Hamilton's was the direct route, while Eliza's was more indirect and willing to take a more circuitous route to her goals. As James McHenry said of her here, “My dear lady, you combine the innocence of the dove with the wisdom of a serpent” (p. 530).

Hamilton's ideas were controversial at the time and, if Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie get it right, the earliest years of the United States were more contentious than our own. Nonetheless, Hamilton's ideas won out: A stone monument can crumble—all eventually do. But Alexander built a monument for himself of ideas and ideals, weaving himself into the fabric of the nation such that not a thread can be pulled without destroying the whole. (p. 620)

Hamilton was a passionate man, in love with one of his fellow soldiers before meeting his wife, and having affairs with a rival's wife and, apparently, with his wife's beloved sister. Eliza struggled with these discoveries throughout much of My Dear Hamilton, which undermined her faith in their marriage and in Hamilton's love.

Who among us has never erred? Lafayette argued, “But the measure of a man, of a life, of a union of man and wife or even country is not in the falling. It’s in the rising back up again to repair what’s broken, to put right what’s wrong" (p. 612). Eliza and Hamilton rise back up and right what's wrong.

My Dear Hamilton is History Lite: history comprised only of its high points, with events occasionally condensed or transposed in time in order to move the historical narrative forward. Still, with some embarrassment, I confess that I knew little about Hamilton's story or even the degree of his importance to US history. I knew even less about his wife's. Both are important to know.

There is a time and place for History Lite.