Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I’m not going to lie. I’m sort of a Hamilton fan. Having previously read Ron Chernow’s compelling biography, Alexander Hamilton, I already knew Hamilton’s wife, Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, was an intriguing and resilient woman. Also, having read America’s First Daughter by historical fiction novelists Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, I knew this dynamic writing duo wouldn’t do anything less than exceptional in telling Eliza’s story; therefore, I highly anticipated My Dear Hamilton. Dray and Kamoie far exceeded my expectations. I absolutely devoured My Dear Hamilton from beginning to end! There’s no doubt that Eliza Schuyler Hamilton lived through an exciting time in American history. She was right in the center in witnessing the birth of a new nation. She’s mostly known as the wife of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States; however, there’s so much more to this woman with a compelling life story. I very much appreciated that her life before marriage is portrayed in My Dear Hamilton. We get to know the endearing relationships she had with her family, especially her father and sisters Angelica and Peggy. It’s with these strong familial bonds that she would deeply rely on later in life. At its heart, My Dear Hamilton is very much a love story filled with betrayal, sacrifice, loyalty and forgiveness. Yes, she was indeed a devoted wife and mother, but she was also characterized in this book as a woman possessing admirable inner strength. Through their intensive research, the authors expertly shape, not only Eliza’s journey through life, but her emotional well being as well. Readers will celebrate with Eliza through her happiest of times, feel utter heartbreak as she endures public humiliation, and be encouraged by her sheer determination and accomplishments. Eliza outlived her husband by 50 years. In her 97 years, it’s fair to say that Eliza Hamilton had loved and lost so much. Her emotions are so thoughtfully detailed with the passing of the most important people in her life. I was very curious about her life after her husband’s infamous duel. There’s a scene towards the end of the book, and this is not a spoiler, where she literally lays everything out in front of her to try to make sense of what she’s learned. I found this moment to be poignant, sorrowful, and something totally relatable as humans. I’d like to think that scene was how it really played out years ago, but it was surely memorable the way the authors depicted how she may have dealt with that part of her life. If Eliza Schuyler Hamilton were alive today, I think she would applaud how Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie interpreted her life though My Dear Hamilton. Another brilliant and fascinating read from these talented authors!