angelqueen04's review against another edition
3.0
The story of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton has been in the cultural hot seat for a few years now, and it will likely remain so for a while - or at least I hope so. The events of their lives are fascinating, both when they were together and when Eliza herself stood alone after her husband's untimely death. Lately, I've been on a bit of a Hamilton-themed binge, reading every bit of historical fiction about them that I can get my hands on. The Hamilton Affair is the latest in that binge, and I will say that it is definitely one of the better ones, albeit not my absolute favorite ([b:My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton|41014257|My Dear Hamilton A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton|Stephanie Dray|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1533052327l/41014257._SY75_.jpg|56364049] by [a:Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie|15758242|Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] seems to take home the prize on that one, outside of the actual musical itself).
One thing that I absolutely loved about this book is that it takes the reader into relatively uncharted territory for Hamiltonian fiction - that of Alexander and Eliza's respective childhoods. Nearly all of the others begin their journey in the midst of the American Revolution, as though they were dropped there fully formed (albeit with the occasional reference to earlier times). But here Cobbs goes back further, and delves into Elizabeth's early life growing up as the daughter of a wealthy Dutch family near Albany, New York, as well as Alexander's hardscrabble beginnings in the Caribbean. We are even introduced to Alexander's mother, Rachel Fawcett, which was something that I very much enjoyed! She also shows the characters' development over time, showing Alexander's time in New York before the Revolution, and his evolution during the war itself, along with Eliza's own growth and coming to believe in the tenets of the Revolution, which was utterly fascinating. Overall, I loved the journey of both Alexander and Eliza's growth into the people they became when they first met. An excellent departure from the path of the other fictional novels I have read about them, and one that really allows it to shine.
Now, that being said, I do have some issues with the book. First, there are some time skips in some very strange and awkward places. For example, we go from early 1780, at the beginning of Eliza and Alexander's courtship, where they are just getting to know one another, to December 1780, specifically their marriage. It was incredibly jarring to have pretty much their entire courtship and engagement period completely leapfrogged like that. I even swept back a couple of pages to make sure I hadn't accidentally skipped ahead too far somehow. While I understand that time skips are necessary to move the plot along, I just feel that the author chose some very strange places to skip, Eliza and Alexander's courtship being but one of them.
Second, it seems to me that the characters are holding back or are being held back. We see Alexander think about how guilty he feels for his affair with Maria Reynolds (though he didn't let it stop him no matter how much he struggled), and yet when he finally confesses the affair to Eliza (when she is, naturally, heavily pregnant), I feel very little emotion coming from him. He apologizes repeatedly, and yet I do not find him at all convincing. Even Eliza's reaction seemed restrained somehow. I'm not saying that she should have completely flown off the handle and throttled him or anything (though wow, what a sight that would have been!), but it felt a bit too muted for me to really find the characters and their feelings believable.
That said, I also loved the wrap up of the story, with Eliza's final chapter where she thinks back on everything that came after Alexander's death and her answering a young friend's questions. One of my favorite stories about Eliza's later years (aside from her amazing work with establishing the orphanage in NYC) is the one of her sending James Monroe packing when he came to try and make peace with her. Cobbs did an excellent job retelling it, and I literally cackled as I read it!
Again, overall this was one of the better renditions of the Hamiltons' story, one that I enjoyed, even if it's one with some drawbacks. Definitely worth your time.
One thing that I absolutely loved about this book is that it takes the reader into relatively uncharted territory for Hamiltonian fiction - that of Alexander and Eliza's respective childhoods. Nearly all of the others begin their journey in the midst of the American Revolution, as though they were dropped there fully formed (albeit with the occasional reference to earlier times). But here Cobbs goes back further, and delves into Elizabeth's early life growing up as the daughter of a wealthy Dutch family near Albany, New York, as well as Alexander's hardscrabble beginnings in the Caribbean. We are even introduced to Alexander's mother, Rachel Fawcett, which was something that I very much enjoyed! She also shows the characters' development over time, showing Alexander's time in New York before the Revolution, and his evolution during the war itself, along with Eliza's own growth and coming to believe in the tenets of the Revolution, which was utterly fascinating. Overall, I loved the journey of both Alexander and Eliza's growth into the people they became when they first met. An excellent departure from the path of the other fictional novels I have read about them, and one that really allows it to shine.
Now, that being said, I do have some issues with the book. First, there are some time skips in some very strange and awkward places. For example, we go from early 1780, at the beginning of Eliza and Alexander's courtship, where they are just getting to know one another, to December 1780, specifically their marriage. It was incredibly jarring to have pretty much their entire courtship and engagement period completely leapfrogged like that. I even swept back a couple of pages to make sure I hadn't accidentally skipped ahead too far somehow. While I understand that time skips are necessary to move the plot along, I just feel that the author chose some very strange places to skip, Eliza and Alexander's courtship being but one of them.
Second, it seems to me that the characters are holding back or are being held back. We see Alexander think about how guilty he feels for his affair with Maria Reynolds (though he didn't let it stop him no matter how much he struggled), and yet when he finally confesses the affair to Eliza (when she is, naturally, heavily pregnant), I feel very little emotion coming from him. He apologizes repeatedly, and yet I do not find him at all convincing. Even Eliza's reaction seemed restrained somehow. I'm not saying that she should have completely flown off the handle and throttled him or anything (though wow, what a sight that would have been!), but it felt a bit too muted for me to really find the characters and their feelings believable.
That said, I also loved the wrap up of the story, with Eliza's final chapter where she thinks back on everything that came after Alexander's death and her answering a young friend's questions. One of my favorite stories about Eliza's later years (aside from her amazing work with establishing the orphanage in NYC) is the one of her sending James Monroe packing when he came to try and make peace with her. Cobbs did an excellent job retelling it, and I literally cackled as I read it!
Again, overall this was one of the better renditions of the Hamiltons' story, one that I enjoyed, even if it's one with some drawbacks. Definitely worth your time.
elodiethefangirl's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
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
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
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.
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 against another edition
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.
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.