Allison's Book Report

"My Dear Hamilton" by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

During the pandemic, Disney+ released their recording of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway musical, Hamilton, and my (then much littler) girls were instantly obsessed. For years now, barely a day has passed that someone in this house hasn't been singing or quoting the show. My youngest daughter's dog is even named Eliza after Hamilton's wife, who, if you ask me, is the real "star of the show" – and whose fascinating life is the topic of many works of historical fiction, including this week's book.

"My Dear Hamilton" by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie is a beautifully written historical novel that brings Eliza Schuyler Hamilton—Alexander Hamilton's wife—into the spotlight. Often remembered only as the wife of one of America's Founding Fathers, Eliza's story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and strength, and this novel does a fantastic job of showing just how remarkable she truly was.  

The book is told from Eliza's perspective, tracing her life from her privileged upbringing as a general's daughter in Revolutionary America to her later years as a widow working tirelessly to preserve her husband's legacy. Along the way, we see her as a passionate young woman who falls in love with the brilliant but flawed Alexander Hamilton. Their love story is full of highs and lows—his ambition, political battles, and even scandal threaten their marriage—but through it all, Eliza remains a steadfast and intelligent woman in her own right.  

The novel doesn't shy away from the darker moments of Eliza's life, including betrayal, personal losses, and the infamous Reynolds Affair, which rocked her marriage. But what makes this story so compelling is Eliza's transformation. She is not just a supporting character in Alexander's story—she is a leader, a mother, and a fierce advocate for the causes she believes in. After his tragic death in a duel, Eliza refuses to let her husband be forgotten. She spends the rest of her life shaping his legacy, founding charities, and fighting for historical truth.  

Dray and Kamoie weave historical facts with emotional depth, making Eliza's journey feel incredibly real. The novel is rich with period details, from the Revolutionary War to the early days of American democracy, making it perfect for history lovers and fans of the musical alike. Ultimately, "My Dear Hamilton" is a moving tribute to a woman who played a crucial role in shaping American history—one who deserves to be remembered for her own incredible achievements. 

Cue the tears as I remember the finale from the musical. If you know, you know – if you don't, go watch the show and grab a copy of this book. As usual, don't forget to pop over to my Instagram @allison.the.reader and give me a follow for more fun book talk.