On My Bedside {My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton}

Like last month’s edition of On My Bedside, I had My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie in my stack for months. I bought it after I fell in love with America’s First Daughter by the same authors.

We are all huge Hamilton fans over here and my love of the Broadway show has led to many a late night on the internet reading about parts of Hamilton’s story. I am equally as fascinated by the unwritten stories of women in shaping our great country and winning our independence. To that end, Eliza was just fascinating to learn about. We give much credit to the “founding fathers” but there is something to the saying “behind every great man there’s a great woman”.

Like in America’s First Daughter, I love how the authors carefully created such a great historical account of Eliza’s story. They start with Alexander and Eliza’s prolific correspondence and other validated sources, and then weave together a story where they have skillfully filled in the blanks. In the post script, they take great care to note assumptions and I loved reading that part (in both books) as much as the book itself.

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. 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…

I was surprised to learn in this book how much Jefferson and Hamilton were at odds with each other. I tend to romanticize history – picturing Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe and the rest as besties united for freedom and independence – when that was far from the case. Based on the news and social media, one might think that the 2000’s are the most turbulent, politically disparate times this country has ever had. However, every time I read, watch or learn more about history, I am reminded that America is often politically divided, there has always been scandal with our leaders, and even George Washington was hated by many.

Before I get too far in a hole here, I will say it’s a good book. :-) If you like Hamilton and are intrigued by the American revolution, read it! And, as always, let me know what’s on your bedside…

My Dear Hamilton (affiliate link)

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4 thoughts on “On My Bedside {My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton}

  1. I just read America’s First Daughter after seeing you mention in the comments on your last book post that it was one of your favorites. It was so good and I was surprised by all of the scandal, I was not expecting that. I look forward to reading this book now, too.

  2. This one is on my list – loved America’s First Daughter, and now I’m more anxious to read this!

    I just finished Swear on this Life (eh… okay) and haven’t started anything new. xo

  3. I am now reading America’s First Daughter upon your recommendation. I am really enjoying it! Thanks for this next recommendation! I think word of mouth is the best way to keep up with what’s out there.

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