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A review by whitneyswin
Eliza Hamilton: The Extraordinary Life and Times of the Wife of Alexander Hamilton by Tilar J. Mazzeo
5.0
I didn’t realize until I read the author’s note that this is the first full-length biography of Eliza Hamilton. It was a fantastic biography that was very well-written, balanced in opinion, and full of interesting facts and stories. It’s not your typically heavy-duty quote and reference-driven biography, but written in a fiction-style that is much easier and more enjoyable to read. I initially read this book in anticipation of seeing the musical Hamilton (and wasn’t in a rush to read Ron Chernow’s epic biography), and I’ve always believed that Eliza was the more interesting character in history. I was not wrong.
This biography turns the spotlight away from Alexander and focuses on Eliza — who very much shied away from attention her whole life, but whose life is definitely worth learning about. She was an incredible woman who was fiercely loyal in her love for Hamilton and her commitment to preserving his memory from being tarnished by his political enemies. She was also a loving mother to more than just her own children and that love created a legacy that still exists today.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about one of the most interesting characters of the American Revolution and the early days of U.S. history, whose story has largely been relegated to the sidelines because of her role as the wife of a Founding Father. She should instead be known as a Founding Mother and given equal recognition because without her hard work and determination, history would not remember Alexander Hamilton for the good things he accomplished. I can’t wait to pass this book onto my friends and family so they can read it too.
This biography turns the spotlight away from Alexander and focuses on Eliza — who very much shied away from attention her whole life, but whose life is definitely worth learning about. She was an incredible woman who was fiercely loyal in her love for Hamilton and her commitment to preserving his memory from being tarnished by his political enemies. She was also a loving mother to more than just her own children and that love created a legacy that still exists today.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about one of the most interesting characters of the American Revolution and the early days of U.S. history, whose story has largely been relegated to the sidelines because of her role as the wife of a Founding Father. She should instead be known as a Founding Mother and given equal recognition because without her hard work and determination, history would not remember Alexander Hamilton for the good things he accomplished. I can’t wait to pass this book onto my friends and family so they can read it too.