4.5 stars.
Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie’s retelling of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton’s life in My Dear Hamilton is rich with historical detail and vibrant prose. They bring Eliza to life not just as Alexander Hamilton’s wife, but as an influential figure who helped shape a nation. Through extensive research, including thousands of letters, they explore Eliza’s journey from spirited young woman to the grieving widow of a flawed yet brilliant man. Eliza’s fierce love for her country and her complex relationship with Hamilton lie at the book’s heart, and her character shines against the backdrop of a nation struggling to find its footing.
The story is episodic, immersing readers in historical details that make the revolutionary era feel alive. Through Eliza’s eyes, readers witness both glittering inaugural balls and bloody street riots, while learning about lesser-known aspects of early America, from smallpox warfare to the Six Nations Confederacy. Eliza’s encounters with figures like James Monroe and Aaron Burr add layers to her character as both a helpmate and moral compass to Hamilton.
While some of the political details are dense and could have been shortened, this is a beautiful, immersive read. Dray and Kamoie offer a nuanced look at a remarkable woman who navigated betrayal, loss, and forgiveness. I closed the book feeling enriched by the history and eager to read more from these talented authors.