Reviews

The Hamilton Affair by Elizabeth Cobbs

lcanale010's review against another edition

4.0

Considering I have a lot to learn about history period, let alone American History/ the Revolutionary War, I learned a lot from this book. That was probably my favorite part of the book. Cobb’s writing is generally enjoyable but not completely my style. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to learn more about the achievements and family life of two shapers of our country; after reading this account, I view Liza Hamilton as an equal contributor to the early US, through her father and husband as well as the young her own actions of charity and generosity.

notesonbookmarks's review against another edition

4.0

Part of my post getting-to-see-Hamilton reading binge, this fictionalized retelling paired with the musical and the Chernow biography really helped bring Hamilton to life for me! Cobbs is a historian by trade, so much of the novel is based on actual fact, while it gets novelized through the day-to-day details that we can guess at, but are impossible to know for sure. I thought she did a wonderful job weaving his story together in a totally readable way, and would definitely recommend this one as a great option for people who want more Hamilton in their lives but aren't ready to commit to the giant Chernow tome. :-)

alexinitalics's review against another edition

emotional

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I really liked the author's writing style, the jumping forwards in time could be a little jarring but I still found I enjoyed reading it. 
Like many, I am a fan of the musical and reading this book reminded me of how much I love the show, even though the two are very different tonally. 
I'm not sure what I think of this book's handling of race but it's something the musical has had criticism for glossing over whereas this book gives it more focus and gravity, though the language and descriptions is written from a historical viewpoint and some moments did feel white saviour - y

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Xenophobia, Slavery, War, and Racism

Moderate: Sexual content, Pregnancy, Infidelity, Gun violence, and Death of parent

Minor: Misogyny, Miscarriage, and Blood

afox98's review against another edition

4.0

Really enjoyed this historical fiction about Alexander Hamilton and his wife Eliza. Starting in their childhoods, the book alternates between their perspectives on growing up, finding each other, and loving each other against the backdrop of the birth of the United States of America. It’s pretty astonishing what all Hamilton did for this country and if you haven’t seen the incredible musical or read much about him, I encourage you to.

Some reviews have noted the book as dry or uninteresting, but I think they’re looking for the glitz of the Broadway musical and this is a more nuanced view into everyday life at that time. I’m also a huge history buff (and history major) so that might have enhanced my enjoyment of the book. I found the insights into Monroe and Jefferson and their treatment of Hamilton fascinating, as well as the bits about his childhood in St. Croix. Definitely recommended.

sagittariusreads_'s review

challenging informative tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

sabregirl's review against another edition

4.0

Three and a half or three and three fourths stars. I enjoyed the book I really did. But with some parts so much time was spent on useless stuff and others not enough. It seemed like the author rushed through both Phillip and Alexander’s duels and gave us shot boom dead. Not to mention not giving us anything about Elizas life after Alexander? I mean I guess the book was about them and not just her but still, all that shit she did after he died and it’s basically a summary? I digress good book.

connieaw's review against another edition

4.0

Since my 5th graders are studying the Revolutionary War this year, I've decided to read more books from that time period. I loved this story about Alexander Hamilton and his family. I'm dismayed to learn that #FakeNews has been around since the beginning of our wonderful country.

caslater83's review against another edition

4.0

At first, I thought this book was dragging because it constantly flips from Alexander's POV to Eliza's POV. Different locations, different times, so you really have to pay attention! But when they finally met, it began to pick up better. They did seem to have a genuine love for each other until the affair between Alexander and Mrs. Reynolds. It damaged the marriage and took a long time to repair.

Morals aside, I think Alexander Hamilton made some good contributions to America. A lot of people are quick to credit George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, but I think Alexander Hamilton should be remembered for his share as well!

I feel that Elizabeth Cobb did a good job sharing her knowledge of Alexander Hamilton. I can understand why this book has become rather popular.

andrearbooks's review against another edition

3.0

The Hamilton Affair by Elizabeth Cobbs was an interesting read. This is historical fiction from both Hamilton and Eliza's points of view. I have to note that it is impossible at this point for me to not read/think about Alexander Hamilton without thinking about Hamilton. As I read, I found myself making the connections to songs from the musical. I did appreciate that this book also shared additional pieces from Hamilton's story that aren't covered as wholly in the musical. I liked that this gave more voice to those stories, as well as more about Eliza. More than anything though, I found this left me with a yearning to turn on Disney+ and watch the musical yet again.

kricketa's review against another edition

I already know the basic story being told in this book, so I was hoping the writing would really make it come alive for me. Unfortunately it didn't captivate me. I read the first third and skimmed the rest.