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A review by kamrynkoble
My Dear Hamilton by Laura Kamoie, Stephanie Dray
5.0
This book is a masterpiece. I spent just a week shy of three months on this novel about Eliza Hamilton, but it demands savoring.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a connoisseur of novels about Eliza. If it’s in Barnes and Noble, I’ve bought it. Every time, those YA romances with cute covers disappoint me. When I caught sight of this one, the cover made me gasp, and I instantly paid the hefty price because of the authors’ names and the high rating.
I’m so glad that I did.
This novel is as mature, elegant, and dignified as its namesake. It’s a rightful piece on its own, and does not seem to ride the curtails of success of the musical. The two authors crafted a story that made me giggle like a child and weep with grief.
It’s strengths lie in its loving characterizations of the entire cast. Even more than that, it gives a voice to Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, who is a commendable visionary often swept into her father, sister, or husband’s shadow. No matter how much her bantering with Alexander dazzled me, perhaps the most moving section of the book is long after he’s gone. I was a bit worried that the story wouldn’t carry without him, or that it would never address the Angelica or John Laurens scandals. Thank goodness it does on both accounts.
There are so many strengths, and I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted a book more. I’m hesitant to even name any weaknesses. It is slow-moving (check out how long it took me to finish) and I admit to skimming over some politics. I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who wasn’t both a fervent reader and a lover of historical fiction.
The only area that felt lacking in such a long book was Eliza's children. They all bled together, barely any of them had their own distinct personalities, and they rarely had any real dialogue. I would've liked to be able to name their children, but I can't.
Please look through my updates, highlights, and notes for more raw reactions to the majesty of this book. My favorite might be “Hamilton is dead. I am dead.” As a country, we have so much to thank him for. But the real jewel in Alexander’s many accolades is his wife. And I am so thankful to the authors for finally telling her story.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a connoisseur of novels about Eliza. If it’s in Barnes and Noble, I’ve bought it. Every time, those YA romances with cute covers disappoint me. When I caught sight of this one, the cover made me gasp, and I instantly paid the hefty price because of the authors’ names and the high rating.
I’m so glad that I did.
This novel is as mature, elegant, and dignified as its namesake. It’s a rightful piece on its own, and does not seem to ride the curtails of success of the musical. The two authors crafted a story that made me giggle like a child and weep with grief.
It’s strengths lie in its loving characterizations of the entire cast. Even more than that, it gives a voice to Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, who is a commendable visionary often swept into her father, sister, or husband’s shadow. No matter how much her bantering with Alexander dazzled me, perhaps the most moving section of the book is long after he’s gone. I was a bit worried that the story wouldn’t carry without him, or that it would never address the Angelica or John Laurens scandals. Thank goodness it does on both accounts.
There are so many strengths, and I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted a book more. I’m hesitant to even name any weaknesses. It is slow-moving (check out how long it took me to finish) and I admit to skimming over some politics. I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who wasn’t both a fervent reader and a lover of historical fiction.
The only area that felt lacking in such a long book was Eliza's children. They all bled together, barely any of them had their own distinct personalities, and they rarely had any real dialogue. I would've liked to be able to name their children, but I can't.
Please look through my updates, highlights, and notes for more raw reactions to the majesty of this book. My favorite might be “Hamilton is dead. I am dead.” As a country, we have so much to thank him for. But the real jewel in Alexander’s many accolades is his wife. And I am so thankful to the authors for finally telling her story.