“An edge-of my sear immersion into historical events…No study of Alexander Hamilton would be complete without reading this book.” —Karen White, New York Times bestselling author“The best book of the year!” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice NetworkWife, Widow, and Warrior in Alexander Hamilton’s quest for a more perfect unionFrom the New York Times bestselling authors … Hamilton’s quest for a more perfect union
From the New York Times bestselling authors of America’s First Daughter comes the epic story of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton—a revolutionary woman who, like her new nation, struggled to define herself in the wake of war, betrayal, and tragedy. Perfect for fans of Ron Chernow’s biography Alexander Hamilton and fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton: the Musical.
In this haunting, moving, and beautifully written novel, Dray and Kamoie used thousands of letters and original sources to tell Eliza’s story as it’s never been told before—not just as the wronged wife at the center of a political sex scandal—but also as a founding mother who shaped an American legacy in her own right.
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, 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 imperfect union he could never have created without her…
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I was contacted to consider this novel for a cover quote, which I was very happy to give–in full disclosure I am well acquainted with both authors, but became sincere a sincere fan of their work long before I ever met them in person, so my enthusiastic cover quote for this novel is 100% sincere. MY DEAR HAMILTON is a superbly written, meticulously researched homage to the birth of America as seen from the eyes of a woman who helped bring it to life. Eliza Schuyler Hamilton is much more than a Founding Father’s wife; she’s a passionate patriot who finds the strength to steer her tempestuous husband away from his own worst instincts even when he betrays her. At once a wartime drama, a woman’s coming of age, and a lesson on politics that resonates in today’s world, MY DEAR HAMILTON is the book of the year.
Having recently seen Hamilton for the first time, I knew I had to read My Dear Hamilton if only to get a fuller, richer history of Eliza Hamilton. Rich in detail and an intimate portrayal of the woman who outlived them all, this book is a must read for those who love history or just love Hamilton.
This book is amazing!
My Dear Hamilton is a poignant and powerful tale that gives us a glimpse into the life of one the worlds most notable women in our nations history. From the very first page of this telling story you will be pulled into this woman’s world and have the opportunity to not only see the world through her eyes, but also get a tangible feel for it too. Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton has never really been given the opportunity to shine in our history books, almost always taking a backseat to her famous husband, but that all changes with this book… she shines brightly! It follows her through the many stages of her life, the struggles she faced after her husband’s transgressions, and how she fought hard to overcome it all… and it was downright inspiring!!
I am somewhat of a newbie to the historical fiction genre, having tried it in the past and deciding it wasn’t my cup of tea, but I have to say not only am I overjoyed that I decided to take a second chance on it, despite that fact, but that this one may just have swayed my opinion in a BIG way. After this impressive and delightful re-introduction, I think it is safe to say that I will be making time to read more from these two very talented ladies. I highly recommend you get your hands on this book, it is a beautifully crafted tale that should not be missed!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from Edelweiss, and voluntarily read and reviewed.
This book blew quite simply me away. I have long been a fan and student of founding father, Alexander Hamilton, but have always wished to know more about the woman behind the man. And now, thanks to the bewitching amalgam of historical research and beautifully crafted prose from Dray and Kimole, I feel as if I do know her… her struggles, her triumphs, her strengths and her fears, and ultimately her heart. This book is not to be missed by lovers of history, or just plain lovers of beautifully wrought fiction. Once again, this writing duo delivers on every expectation.
Absolutely stunning. It held my interest the entire time, with enough history and enough emotional drama to satisfy. I learned so much, and appreciated the authors’ note at the end, describing what was fact and what they invented, along with their reasons for doing so. I listened to this on Audible but the writing was so good I’m going to help myself to a hardcover copy next time I feel like splurging.
After America’s First Daughter, my expectations from this team were high — but they were exceeded in every way as I read this truly impressive book.
It is an incredible, surprising, and altogether lovely tribute to the woman who stood beside one of the most unknowable, irascible, energetic, and passionate of the many people who contributed indelibly to the foundation of this nation. I am left both humbled at the accomplishments of the Hamiltons, and uplifted by the depiction of Eliza.
More than that, though, I am awed by the scope of the work that Dray and Kamoie undertook. Spanning the tumult of the Revolution, and reaching all the way up to the eve of the Civil War, through the decades where the nation itself was being invented out of whole cloth, My Dear Hamilton hints at the changes that rushed past Eliza, while maintaining its focus on her as the prime mover of her own story.
Watching her emotionally knocked to the ground, over and over, and yet each time finding her feet again and not merely persevering, but triumphing, we get a sense of the force of Eliza’s personality, and just how equal a match she was to her husband, the force of nature we’ve come to know in the wake of the musical Hamilton.
In the end, My Dear Hamilton works not only as a marvelously rich work of historical literature, but as a deeply personal meditation on one woman’s process of making her place in history, keenly aware that history has its eyes on her.
Although a fictionalized account of her life, the authors’ massive amount of research shows that Eliza Hamilton’s story is every bit as amazing as her husband’s. A wonderful book about one of the founding ‘mothers’ of America.
It’s been a few years since I’ve been moved to tears by a book. But this book broke my record. Beautifully written, it captures the spirit of Eliza and the time.
This was a great book, I hated to put it down loved how there were historical facts mixed in with a great story. The characters were so well written, its as if you could actually imagine yourself in the room with them as they continued the fight for freedom.
I loved this story. With the Broadway play Hamilton being all the rage, I saw this book and knew I had to read it. I’ve always been in love with historical fiction and My Dear Hamilton didn’t disappoint. The Schuyler sisters had such a wonderful story and I loved the insight into Alexander Hamilton and many other new Americans that made great history. Well done!
Fantastic world-building with exceptional sensory details and turns of phrase have me completely hooked on Stephanie Dray’s and Laura Kamoie’s writing. My addiction to the musical had me somewhat familiar with the major elements in Alexander and Eliza’s tale, and yet this is a sumptuous, rich dive into the mind of Eliza Hamilton. So well done – and I’ve learned a lot, as well as gotten lost in the story.
If you are a fan of the award-winning musical, Hamilton, then you will LOVE this book! It is the story of Alexander told from Eliza’s point-of-view. It may be long, but well worth the read!
Whoa. I seldom think books 5 stars, holding that rank for those that go so far and above my expectations. THIS was far and above my expectations. Having so recently had the honour of seeing “Hamilton” on stage, I thought it perfect that this book come along and feed the curiosity that the musical sparked. Coming away (stunned and shell shocked) from the show, I was curious about Eliza’s views and feelings. I identified with Eliza – as I imagine most women can/do. She haunted me and I wanted to know so much more about her. “My Dear Hamilton” pulled back that curtain and gave us all of Eliza. I was absolutely consumed. What in the beginning felt like a large book (appx 650 pages) read quicker than a short story. I have never had a lot of interest in historical fiction–but this was just simply incredible. I’m glad that the story of Eliza and her Hamilton has found its way out. I laughed, I teared up, and at times was stunned by some of the events – but enjoyed it all. HIghly recommended.
Eliza Hamilton assumes her rightful place as one of America’s founding mothers as she guides first her husband and then her fledgling nation into the annals of history. Meticulously researched and with a plot that will keep you turning pages well into the night, My Dear Hamilton is historical fiction at its most addictive!
If you’re a fan of the play “Hamilton” (which I am), you’ll love this Historical Fiction about Eliza Hamilton. It tells her story from the days before she met Alexander Hamilton till long after his death. I love how the authors repeat some of the lines from the play. It truly was a great read.
I very much enjoyed this biographical historical fiction work centered about Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. The story was told in such a way that I was drawn into the world of Eliza, and I learned a great deal about Eliza’s contribution to United States History. Engrossing read!
Audiobook review. I’m glad I chose to listen to this book versus reading it. The narrator does an excellent job crafting a persona and voice for each character. This was further enhanced by her acting skill.she expertly guides one from each emotional high to low and everything in between . I could close my eyes and feel I was in the middle of 18th century America, Interacting with all the familiar names from history.
Of course the bulk of the praise must go to the authors. They developed characters true to what is historically known about each while plausibly filling In the blanks. One is therefore left with a real 3D person not that flat persona often found in history books and novels written by less skilled authors.
Though this book is heavy on the historical details of the times and the life and work of Hamilton, this remains front and center the story of Eliza and her love affair with Alexander. There can be no question that Hamilton was brilliant ,he is after all the architect of our federal government, but he was human and therefore flawed. Eliza as the narrator takes us through the joys, anguish, and fears she experienced as the wife of such a man. There are loses, scandals and betrayals not only in the nascent country but even in their marriage. How Eliza handles herself shows her incredible inner strength. I’m definitely a fan!
In this book we have a great piece of historical fiction. In Eliza we have another great founding mother!
This was such an interesting novel about a forgotten founding mother. I had no idea that Eliza Schuyler Hamilton was the daughter of a well-respected general, or that she spent her girlhood living on the frontier dealing with Native Americans (and speaking their languages) or that she had two vivacious sisters.
Enter Hamilton, and of course (and unfortunately) she is swept away by his charm and charisma.
I loved the pitch-perfect voice of Eliza Hamilton, conveyed so adroitly by narrator Cassandra Campbell. It blended the perfect combination of love and exasperation as Eliza narrated the activities of her mercurial and brilliant husband, leading to many funny and enjoyable moments.
What was NOT funny was that Hamilton’s activities led to his wife having to endure the very public humiliation of a sex scandal. How she managed to hang onto her dignity, mother her children and deal with the everydayness that life brings, I do not know. Just as she had picked up the pieces, her husband was killed…by a stupid accident.
I highly recommend this novel. It sheds glorious light on the colonial period of this country’s history, as well as the story of a highly unusual woman. Five stars. #elizahamilton #alexanderhamilton #cassandracampbell #stephaniedray #laurakamoie
5 Stars. Wow! These talented authors & narrator made Eliza Hamilton come alive for me, and I ended up loving & admiring her! As best they could, the authors used available sources to re-create her life. The result is a narrative that focuses on forgiveness, seeing the best in others, standing for one’s beliefs, personal honor, faithfulness (semper fidelis), and the personal sacrifices that must be made for any union—husband & wife, siblings, or the joining of separate states into a nation—to flourish.
I especially appreciated how Eliza, the Marquis de Lafayette, George Washington, and the Schuyler family were portrayed. Admirable charmers all! And the authors definitely made a case for how Eliza could understand the insecurities and weaknesses that made her husband fall, forgive him when he tried to make things right, and love him through it all.
After all the adventure, romance, heartbreak, political wrangling, overcoming adversity, surviving tragedy, and other highs and lows, frankly, I’m exhausted. I almost feel like I lived those 90-some years along with Mrs. General Hamilton!
A book to be savored by lovers of historical fiction, historical romance & history docu-dramas.
*I think the book is actually almost 700 pages long. I probably would not have made it through that at this point in the school year—except for the hour & a half or more in my car ever day. That time was perfect for listening to this exceptional story.