Reviews

The Hamilton Affair by Elizabeth Cobbs

stephgo's review against another edition

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hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bookishnerdyandcurious's review against another edition

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Full disclosure: I did not finish this book before the library zapped it away. Honestly, I'm not sorry about that. What I did read was like I was reading okay fanfic, which I sometimes like, but not in this case. This definitely feels as if it's marketed to the Hamilfans, so I'm a little perplexed that I didn't devour this, as I adore Hamilton. Oh well, different strokes, right?

madeemoiselle's review against another edition

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5.0

I do wish this was told in a less disjointed way, but it works for this book.

keeyoh's review against another edition

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emotional informative fast-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

5.0

toebean5's review against another edition

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2.0

This is one of those books where the history is so interesting that what I really want is to read the Chernow biography or other nonfiction. I wasn't super into this- in the beginning, I was flipping back and forth to try to figure out the chronology and why the dates were jumping weirdly with the points of view; as the book went on, I found alot fascinating, but not enough for me to really enjoy the book. The writing style was not my favorite, and there was a scene with Alexander Hamilton sticking his tongue in between his wife's toes that grossed me out, but that's more of my problem, probably. However! The book club REALLY enjoyed this, so if you're looking for a title that a group can talk about it, this wasn't a bad pick.

buddy524's review against another edition

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3.0

I'm torn on this book. While I loved the content, I wasn't a fan of the writing. Finns portrayed these two individuals very well but their relationship, which seemed to be the premise, was a bit underdeveloped. I'd like to blame them on lack of source material but this is fiction. Also, certain aspects of seemingly importance seemed to be ignored. It was hard for me to get fully into these two individuals at times as the chapters were rushed.

kirstenrose22's review against another edition

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3.0

This is okay. It starts off fairly strong and then dwindles and weakens as you go. Too much of the big stuff is told in flashback (or we're just told, not shown) - so the structure of the book is a problem. Certain things (such as Hamilton's big reconciliation with Eliza) are sort of glossed over - I wanted much more from that..... I was skimming by the end.

ashleyfleming4's review against another edition

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5.0

"Those who clenched the Bill of Rights most tightly often had a whip in the other hand."

"The question hung in the frosty air. It was the nub of every duel. Was there some personal hatred that death alone could satisfy, or was honor the only itch that needed scratching?"

reynastillo's review against another edition

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5.0

For lack of a better way to say it, this book just "blew me away". This is historical fiction at its finest. Let me elaborate...

First, I am head-over-heels obsessed with Hamilton, the musical. This book brought back all those feelings with excellent writing and more accuracy. The style of writing, changing between A.Ham and Eliza's POV, was so insightful. This story is not only about Alexander. It's about Eliza just as much.

And this story really goes deep into the themes of fidelity, family, and sense of duty all while entertaining you. You know it's a good book when I'm yelling, "Hamilton, NO!" during Maria Reynolds and The Duel. I really adore Eliza in this book as well. She is so well represented.

Another person I love? Ajax Manly. Even though he is entirely fictional, the way he changes the Hamiltons' beliefs is very powerful. His presence adds another layer of depth to this rich tapestry.

Overall, this book is definitely worth reading. It brings...feels...that you wouldn't normally associate with historical fiction. And if you love Hamilton as much as I do, you will not regret this read.

thefangirlsdilemma's review against another edition

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2.0

Look it was 2016, the world had Hamilton fever. I certainly did.

This book is only OK though.