“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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This was a historical novel and very interesting to know more of Alexander Hamilton. The book revealed some of the same corruption in the 1700 and 1800’s as we have in the current time. The afterward of the book was nearly as educational and enlightening as the book itself. The research needed for a novel is overwhelming. A very interesting and entertaining book.
I felt like I was walking with the characters. It gave me a new view of the world of our founding fathers but was thoroughly enjoyable.
Amazing information about Alexander Hamilton and the strength of his wife. Twists and tales about Mr. Hamiliton that makes his fame in our American History even more memorable.
I love the way the character of Mrs. Hamilton is developed. Well written.
After seeing the musical Hamilton, this should be your next book. Historical fiction supposedly written by Mrs. Hamilton, the book goes into more depth of his life, accomplishments and failures. Hamilton is accorded more respect in the book, but the look at the realities facing the new independent country and the people involved in solving them shows the debt of gratitude we owe to Hamilton for giving America a financial footing to go forward. Excellent read.
A life well explored on this richly written novel.
Illuminating account Of the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton as seen through the eyes of his wife.
I learned so much a founding father. Loaded with emotion and insight at the same time!
Amazing to read
This was the best book I’ve read in a long time. I love reading about the strong founding mothers of our revolution. I learned a lot about Alexander Hamilton and the political environment of our newborn government. I think it’s reassuring to realize that politics was a mess even then. For me this was a page turner that I had a hard time putting down to do the necessities of life.
Was great to read about the people who started this country from a woman’s point of view! Lots of history and behind the scenes stories. So thankful for the strength and fortitude of these people during those challenging times. I know it was historical fiction but it was based on lots of research and really drew me in. And in the acknowledgement, the authors talked about what was fact and where they “filled in the blanks”. I highly recommend this book! I’ll be looking for more by the same authors.
This is the story of Elizabeth Schuyler, daughter of a Revolutionary War general, who meets and eventually marries Alexander Hamilton. Betsy, as she’s known, meets Hamilton when she’s 20. She’s resigned herself to being a spinster, as she’s not as beautiful and vivacious as her older sister, Angelica. However, she meets Hamilton and as their paths cross, they eventually fall in love.
This is a novel, not a biography, so the author admits to embellishing/imagining some of the Hamiltons’ lives. And, it’s told from Betsy/Eliza’s (she asked to be called Eliza when she got older) perspective. We see Hamilton’s rise as he helps forge the new government of an independent America and how he is vilified by his political enemies, including Thomas Jefferson and James Monore. We learn of his intense dislike of Aaron Burr, which ultimately leads to his death. We also see how Eliza goes about her daily life: establishing a household, befriending other political wives, bearing and raising children. We see how she endures, in the author’s words, “the country’s first sex scandal,” when Hamilton publicly admits to having sex with Maria Reynolds, whose husband then blackmails Hamilton to ensure secrecy.
It was an interesting book and I enjoyed the history and the characters. My only complaint was that it was l-o-n-g. My Kindle said it was 642 pages, but when I got to 642 the book continued (the Kindle app was stuck at 642 viii for endless pages)
Great story about Alexander Hamilton and his wife.
Lots of history in this novel. Interesting time in history. Politics and the fights for individual freedoms have always been ‘messy’ and this book really shows that.
After seeing Hamilton: The Revolution, I enjoyed the historical perspective from Eliza’s point of view.
So rich with history! Loved seeing the story of Alexander Hamilton told from his wife’s perspective.
Excellent research
The view of a great historical person from the viewpoint of someone close to him reveals a more intimate and realistic view of Alexander Hamilton. He becomes a more three dimensional person that the one sided view often seen in some history books. Here one sees what made him a great man tempered with his flaws and insecurities creating a very human portrait.
Wonderfully written.
This was my favorite book of the year! I loved it! The writing is beautiful! Went on to read America’s First Daughter by same authors. Also very good.