My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton

by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

Love Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit musical Hamilton?
Discover the untold story of the brilliant Eliza Schuyler Hamilton!

Coming of age in revolutionary New York, Elizabeth Schuyler is proud to champion the fight for independence. And when she meets Alexander Hamilton, Washington's penniless but passionate right hand man, she's captivated by the young officer's charisma and brilliance. Despite the perilous times and Alexander's background, they fall in love and are soon married.

From glittering balls to bloody street riots, the Hamiltons are at the centre of it all - including America's first sex scandal, which forces Eliza to struggle through heartbreak and betrayal to find forgiveness. And 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 . . .

Haunting, moving, and beautifully written, Dray and Kamoie use thousands of letters and original sources to tell Eliza's story as it's never been told before - not just as the wronged wife but as a strong woman who shaped an American legacy in her own right.

'Full of history, engaging characters who shimmer on each page, and a tremendous love story, this is a book for everyone' Karen White, New York Times bestselling author

'An unforgettable story of the woman behind Hamilton - a triumph!' Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author

'My Dear Hamilton is the book of the year' Kate Quinn, USA Today bestselling author of The Alice Network

'Historical fiction at its most addictive!' Stephanie Thornton, author of The Tiger Queens

'An incredible, surprising, and altogether lovely tribute to the woman who stood beside one of the most unknowable, irascible, energetic, and passionate of men' Lars Hedbor, author of The Path: Tales from a Revolution

• ISBN10: 0062466178
• ISBN13: 9780062466174
• Publish Date: 3 April 2018
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Imprint: Collins
• Format: eBook
• Pages: 672
• Language: English

Reviews

[Lynn]

After my loss of words reaction, I can say My Dear Hamilton is unquestionably my favourite book read so far this year (2018).

I dived into this novel with no prior knowledge of who Elizabeth Schuyler or Alexander Hamilton were. After finishing the book, it left me with a huge void and a desire to discover more about the people closest to Elizabeth and Hamilton and the legacy they both left.

My Dear Hamilton captured my imagination and left me craving more. Of course, Alexander Hamilton himself intrigued me and I fully appreciate why he has become such an iconic historical figure. He is perfect as a romantic hero; dashing, brave and imperfect. However, it is his wife Eliza who is the one full of surprises. Historically, she's known more as the daughter of a general and as the wife of one of the founding fathers; but Eliza's life after Hamilton's death is noteworthy. As well as her stubborn determination to preserve her late husband's legacy, she championed the protection of widows, their children and orphans.

A book to savour! With over six hundred pages, Initially, I was a little concerned about my ability to absorb all the historical facts. However, the writers' did a marvellous job of incorporating the finer details within the narrative which not only kept my interest but enabled me to maintain and remember the information as we learn it. Written as a historical novel, the writing style definitely played a significant part in my overall enjoyment of this momentous period in American history.

I'm happy with the literary liberties the writers took with some facts and fully appreciate the thought process involved. The inclusion of this information at the end of the book is informative and adds an extra dimension to an already rich text.

This is the first novel I've read by these authors. I already own a copy of America's First Daughter and after my positive reading experience of My Dear Hamilton, I can't wait to read it.

***arc generously received courtesy of William Morris via Edelweiss+***