Susan Holloway Scott brings all her considerable expertise to this book, and it definitely shows: I really enjoyed reading this more unconventional take on American history, and seeing Alexander Hamilton through a completely different lens.
Holloway Scott plunges us straight into a living, breathing eighteenth-century America, where Eliza Schulyer, the daughter of a Dutch family, is living the American War of Independence before she meets Alexander Hamilton, the man who she’ll end up marrying.
Being British myself (sorry), I don’t really know a lot about this period of history- or about the importance that Hamilton had in forging the Declaration of Independence- but everything here is introduced in a completely natural way: it’s simply part of the characters’ lives. The author’s passion is evident in every word on the page- every part of this book has been meticulously researched, and it shows in everything from the events that happen in the story to the characters’ surroundings and daily lives.
But breathing life into the characters of Eliza and Alexander Hamilton is the trickiest part of this book, and one that Holloway Scott nails. The hard bit about writing about historical figures is that you don’t want to idealise them, or you’ll end up with a very bland bit of writing; this is made harder by the fact that very few letters or information survives about the everyday life of Eliza Hamilton. However the author creates a character that is believable and fully-rounded. Though Eliza is very much of her time, with that time’s attitudes and language, she has enough flashes of spark and attitude throughout the novel to satisfy the modern day viewer, though sometimes I admit to her undying love for Alexander becoming a little dull after a while.
However, the focus is very much on Hamilton. Though the novel is narrated from Eliza’s point of view, the focus is mostly on her famous husband, who is sparky, charismatic and brilliant enough to merit his real-life achievements. I have to admit that I don’t know a lot about this period of history, being British (sorry) but I did find out thanks to this book just how much of a powerhouse Hamilton was. It must have been fascinating researching and writing about him, and it was equally fascinating reading about him, but his private life with Eliza is given just as much focus as his achievements (flaws and all) creating a living, breathing person rather than an untouchable icon.
Hooray!
And his achievements are remarkable. Holloway Scott takes the time to go through them all, from his meeting with Eliza to his eventual death, giving us a full tour of the Hamiltons’ remarkable lives and really taking you into their world. Though there are some big jumps in time, which take away a little bit from the flow of the novel, the writing is engaging and watching Eliza and Hamilton, as well as their relationship, develop, is a gripping read.

I am passionate about reading historical biographical novels about the lesser known women of history. I am especially thrilled when authors break away from the over abundance of novels about the same women over and over again - i.e. Cleopatra, the Tudors, Marie Antoinette, etc. to name a few.

So I was thrilled to read about Eliza Hamilton, a woman deeply in love with one of the most brilliant writers and politicians in the time of George Washington and Benedict Arnold. The novel begins with the start of a strong physical and emotional chemistry between Eliza and Alexander Hamilton, a ruthless soldier and military aid. The author has researched this era completely, putting together a tale true to the times, complete with the actual politics and politicians and famous personages. What results is a true picture and analysis of the times. But beyond the political atmosphere, we meet a strong, determined woman who loved her husband, with all his qualities and faults.

There is much to laud about this wonderfully told story through the point of view of a determined, supportive woman who stood by her man despite scandals, political intrigue, and the financialo struggles they faced.

Highly recommended!

Life of Alexander Hamilton -- colonial U.S.A. visionary -- told from his wife (Elizabeth Schuyler's) point of view.

Even though this was the second book I've read this year about the Hamiltons, I find myself endlessly captivated by them (and the time period) and was excited to learn more. In case you're wondering, the first book was The Hamilton Affair (4 stars). Alexander and Eliza were extremely fascinating characters -- and both ahead of their times in many ways -- and I didn't want to put this book down!

Hamilton, a true visionary, was a man ahead of his time in so many ways and generous to a fault. After the American Revolutionary War, he continued to work with President George Washington (after serving as his right hand man during much of the war) to help set up America's new government and its first bank. He also wanted to create a national militia, but was unsuccessful. He was not at all shy about voicing his many beliefs -- in fact, his biggest fault was that he was "too truthful" -- speaking up: against slavery, for tolerance of Tory supporters (after the war), and against his political opponents (but always in a truthful, non-slanderous manner). He also very much valued the opinion of his beloved and esteemed wife, often seeking her opinion and help with political matters.

While this pursuit of truth earned Hamilton many friends, it also acquired him many enemies, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, James Monroe, and most famously, Aaron Burr.

Eliza, whom Alexander called Betsey, was herself a force to be reckoned with. Most notably, she ran a sizable household on limited resources, raised 8 children (on even more limited funds after the death of both Alexander and her father), and volunteered tirelessly at the New York Orphan Asylum Society, a privately funded home for orphans. In fact, once her children were grown, she served for 27 years as the asylum's first director. She spent the rest of her life volunteering and preserving Alexander's memory/reputation in a substantial biography.

I, Eliza Hamilton was an enthralling read, and I'm so excited to have discovered another great author! I will definitely be recommending this one to friends, and seeking out more books by this author.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

An absolutely brilliantly written historical fiction novel! This was very hard to put down! I was unaware of the life's story of Eliza Hamilton before I read this. She has to have been one of the strongest women in history mentally. She was so ahead of her time. Author, Susan Holloway obviously meticulously researched every detail from the time period,to clothing styles,military and political moves to housing and child care.This book leaves me feeling as if I spent years getting to know this family as it started out with Elizabeth as a 17 year old and gives details of their life together and the separations they had to endure over the years. This book was highly anticipated by me and it did not disappoint at all. Word heavy, I delighted in all the detail this book provided me about a historical family I didn't know to much about. Amazingly, after Alexander's death Eliza went on to live til she was 97 years old which was another half century. She had a long life that spanned from the colonial era to the eve of the Civil War,dying in 1854. She died as the last remaining widow of a Founding Father.I can't give this book enough stars, absolutely magnificent!!!!! Historical fans this in one you can not miss!
Pub Date 26 Sep 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

I wasn't familiar with Eliza Hamilton until the musical. This lovely novel expands on her terrific story= she is an equal of Alexander in so many ways. Historical bio-novels can be chancy because we bring our knowledge of the person to bear on the novelist's work. In this case, Scott has written a book which made me appreciate Eliza even more. Eliza (or Betsy as he calls her) narrates this wonderful tale not only of this couple but also of the early days of the US. You'll learn a bit about US history and the Founding Fathers but the heart of this book is the love story - not a romance, a love story. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. You will like it if you enjoy historical fiction, are interested in the Hamiltons, or just want a good well written book.

I love historical fiction, especially in the early days of the USA. Susan Holloway Scott has a gift for taking and putting you right into a time period and making it engaging. I enjoyed this novel very much and highly recommend it!

This is the story of Alexander Hamilton's wife Eliza. A fictional (but believable) story told from her point of view. The author wrote with much charm how Eliza meets and is captivated by a young Alexander Hamilton. They have a hurried wedding due to the time period, on the cusp of the American Revolution. Eliza is Alexander's best friend and due to her infectious personality- she quickly rises in stature and social standing. Something that will benefit her greatly. She outwardly gracefully handles the duties of being "The Lady of the House" but inside she is fighting to stay strong. She has many hats to wear though as the wife of Alexander Hamilton and not all are easy or will give her the credit she is due. This book shows just how vital women were for the birth of America and hers is just one story of many.

Free copy given by publisher and NetGalley for a fair & honest review.

"I, Eliza Hamilton" is a historical fiction novel. While I am very hungry to read and learn more about the Hamilton's, this book did very little to satisfy that craving. There were many moments in which I felt that the historical facts were not in proper sequential order.
My biggest complaint of this book is that it focused solely on the years in which the Hamilton's were married, up to the fateful duel and death of Alexander. I am still eager to learn more about the period that followed, about Eliza's long and productive life. I had hoped, with a title like "I, Eliza" that this would be her entire story, not just how she was defined by her very charismatic, patriotic, influential husband.

This book is the historical fiction story of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, and how she feel in love with Alexander Hamilton. It describes how they met and when they met. It involves other famous historical figures as well, such as the likes of Mrs Washington and the general. As well as Aaron Burr and people that Alexander met during his years in the army and office, along with Eliza. This story really takes a long look at what Paths Eliza had to walk, in order to be in the position she was and how she handle her relationship with Alex. Its a beautiful story of a brave woman who lead a hard long life because of her Position in this world. Now lets get to my final thoughts on this amazing book.

I first would like to say that I rated this book a 4 out of five stars even though its a retelling in a way of Eliza life. The beauty of this book is that Susan was able to mix real historical facts in with a beauiful tribute of a love story. She explored how Eliza handle Alexander promiscuous side of life. How she handle being around people like General Benedict Arnold wife, and still maintain respect as A Schuyler. So many people have been writing stories from Alexander point of view, that it was nice welcome change to see Eliza’s view of their life. I can’t wait to own a physical copy of this book, and I will definitely be buying this book. It really is truly informative on history as well as being a story of a fascinating couple. I also love how Eliza had the attitude of a First lady but wasn’t in the position.I believe that type of attitude is something that had to be real for her, considering she was good friends with lady Martha Washington. This book is just absolutely one of my favorite historical fictions of the year. I recommend you run, not walk but run to bookstore and buy this book on September 26th especially if your a Hamilton fan.I am just so excited for the 26th to be able to have a finish copy in my hands. As always the links for this book, the author will be listed below along with my links.

With 'Hamilton: An American Musical' taking the US by storm, I knew it wouldn't take long for someone to capitalize on the idea of a novel about Eliza. I also knew I would be first in line to get it. Eliza in the musical is sweet, loyal, devoted and the perfect person to balance the ambitious, fiery Hamilton. I loved the idea of focusing on her point-of-view and learning more about her story beyond Alexander.

Historical facts not treated as spoilers.

I heard the soundtrack of the musical playing in my mind the entire time I was reading this, and was thoroughly disappointed when they ended at the same time. After looking forward to reading about Eliza's life after Hamilton - she outlived him by 50 years - I discovered that this author has decided that only the Alexander years were interesting. In fact, the entire story reads that way. Eliza is almost obsessed with her husband and has no interests or passions of her own besides bearing his children. Some of this is appropriate. Eliza was a woman of her time and was devoted to her husband, but that's why it would have been nice to learn more about her life after his death.

When Alexander meets the Schuyler sisters, it is a bit different than the vision of Angelica, Peggy, & Eliza sneaking into downtown NYC to find an 'urchin who can give you ideals.' In fact, anyone who knows their history primarily from the musical will be disappointed to discover that Angelica did not decide to introduce Alexander to Eliza after her epiphany of 'three fundamental truths.' She was Angelica Church long before she met Hamilton, though she did famously flirt with him and seemingly most men she came into contact with. (This and a few other themes are repeated incessantly. Angelica flirts. Alexander works too hard & is so much smarter than anyone else. Eliza is soooo in love....and always pregnant.)

This novel adheres more strictly to historical truths than the musical, which is probably its greatest strength. Hamilton comes across largely the same. 'I prob’ly shouldn’t brag, but dag, I amaze and astonish. The problem is I got a lot of brains but no polish. I gotta holler just to be heard. With every word, I drop knowledge!' Eliza almost manages to remain a supporting character in her own story. And maybe there's a reason she is not usually brought to the forefront. Her story is bland. Her never-ending pledges of undying love and telling the reader how handsome and brilliant her husband is just doesn't captivate. I found myself waiting for the big moments that I knew were coming so that the novel would get an injection of drama.

Except that didn't happen. When Eliza reads the Reynolds Pamphlet, she takes less time to get over it than it takes Phillipa Soo to sing 'Burn,' and Philip's death did not create anywhere near the emotional impact that I expected. This Eliza can accept anything as long as Alexander still pledges his love to her.

And then it's over. Of course, I had guessed this based on the remaining pages shrinking to a point that there was no way another 50 years was going to be covered, but I held out irrational hope until the bitter end. More of Eliza's post-Alexander life is revealed in 'Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.'

Admittedly, I do not typically read romance novels, and this seems to be getting great ratings from readers who look more specifically for this genre. In my opinion, there was a bit too much gloss and not enough emotion to get a reader truly involved. Still, it is a quick read for 400ish pages and has some good historical nuggets included.

** spoiler alert ** I have read all of SH Scott's previous novels and loved them. They were deliciously dramatic, full of mistresses and vice. But this novel was not. We all know that Alexander Hamilton was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, but this point isn't presented until the very last pages of the novel. Other than that and the brief mention of a mistress about 75% through, the Hamiltons weren't much to write about. Yet write about them she did. I learned a lot about Hamilton's political aspirations and how Christian-like Eliza was, but it wasn't really my cup of tea.

This is a sweet and fairly light historical novel in that it didn't really offer me any new perspective on the story of Hamilton and his wife, but it was absorbing and I think one of the better titles on offer in the post-musical rush to publish.

The book is beautifully written, but the pace is very slow. This drawn-out style of writing is not the style of writing I like to read. Therefore, I’m not the right reviewer for this book. There are others who appreciate this style of writing and they will reveal veracious reviews.

Thank you for letting me review a copy of this book. It was very good. I know everyone is jumping on this Hamilton, American history band wagon, but this book did a very good job of staying pretty true to the story while weaving its own spin. Eliza is such a strong woman and she was very likable. Hamilton oozed charm and charisma. I can't wait to recommend this is history and romance lovers.

~I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review~
I have been in love with Alexander Hamilton like everyone else since listening to Lin-Manuel's HAMILTON. And my favourite of all the characters is Eliza. I love her so much. She's such an interesting, intriguing person who did so much for her husband's legacy and never stopped loving him, even after everything he did to her.
Naturally, when I saw that there was a novel coming out told from Eliza's POV about their relationship, I knew I needed to read it. And oh my God, I am so glad that I did.
I, ELIZA HAMILTON is such a beautiful retelling. You can tell that the author has done such in depth research about their lives and the times. It was so vivid that I felt like I was there with them and the emotions behind Eliza was incredible.
It's written as if Eliza was writing in her diaries about her life throughout her life. There were times that I felt there was too much information, that didn't really serve but to offer backstory. It was given in a very info-dumpy way where there were paragprahs of history of America.
But that didn't stop my enjoyment of the novel. It was just so beautifully written!
I also loved how Eliza was represented in this! She wasn't too rebellious for the times and she was kind. She was gentle. She was passionate and loving. You can see the woman that caught Alexander Hamilton's eye and captured his heart.
From the very moment this book starts, the interactions between Hamilton and his Betsey are adorable! Honestly, I spent most of this book swooning and squealing because of how adorable and in love they were. And Hamilton was definitely as smooth as I've always imagined, haha! He was another character who I felt was so accurately represented that it shows just how much research Susan Holloway Scott did. He was… to quote my other fave… "young, scrappy and hungry". I loved how, even though we saw him through Eliza's eyes, we still saw his flaws. Nothing was portrayed through rose-tinted glasses which I adored.
This goes right from their first meeting to just after the fatal duel between Hamilton and Burr. I cried at this, by the way. I hardly ever cry and novels and their final farewell made me sob because it was just so powerfully written. And I also adored how it dealt with The Reynolds Pamphlet.
We all know that she had to forgive him his mistakes because hey, if she didn't, she wouldn't have spent those fifty years in perpetual mourning for him and constantly trying to share his legacy. But I always picture her being furious at him. In all honesty, I believe Lin-Manuel captured this anger beautifully with his song "Burn". I love the well deserved hurt and anger that fills Eliza's veins in that song and I always worry that people are going to take it away from her.
But this book did not.
She was angry. She was hurt. She was cold to him but in the end, she remember she loved him and remembered her heart and forgave him. And that was that.
When I first read it, I thought that it was perhaps dealt with too quickly, but it is also told through Eliza's eyes. She wouldn't have wanted to dwell on it too much and so when she forgave him, she would have put it from her mind to no longer hurt either of them.
I could forever keep rambling about how much I loved this book. But I'm just going to mention one last thing I adored: the afterword. The author recaps how Eliza spent her final years and oh my God, I fell even more in love with Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton. She is the strongest, most amazing founding mother ever and I just adored her.
I can honestly see myself rereading this book again and again. I loved it that much. I have only one final complaint for the reason that it didn't get a full five stars. It never seemed to use the word "slaves". During this time, slavery was a sign of wealth and Eliza came from a wealthy family. Her father owned slaves which was portrayed in this novel, but it was never said outright. They were called "servants", shown to be black by the odd "Negro" or "African" thrown in before servant to describe them. The world slave is mention a time when Eliza and Hamilton are married and they both decided to not own any. The ones that her father owned? Servants. It just didn't sit right with me but I'm white, so I have no say. If there are any black people who read this have reviews on this book, I will find link them below.
But all in all, I ordered this book and I cannot wait to own a physical copy of it because I adored it that much!

The story of Elizas life with Alexandra Hamilton from her side of the events, as it only covers her life whilst she shared it with him. SO this leaves a lot of Elizas story untold and hopefully a future part 2 to follow. This is a fascinating take of her life and the unseen life of one of the Founding Fathers of America and the relationship of the Washingtons with the Hamiltons and other relationships that played out in the birth of America. The personal things from Elizas view shows the heartache and dedication that effected her husband's decisions and the compassion for his wife and children and the hard fought battles and passion he had for his nation. This is a great read and we'll worth while for anyone that wants to know more about the war and follow on from the war of independence, plus the incredible love story of the Hamiltons, the war fought by those holding the fort can be as compelling as that on the battlefield but without the glory.
There is no less passion wether you are Alexandra Hamilton, Eliza the bride to be or even the newly wedded bride there will be a story to tell and here is a novel to that fills in so many gaps not reached by many other history books.
I have been given a free copy of this book from NetGalley in return for a honest review.

The first sentence hooked my attention and throughout the entirety of the book, I was sneaking away from my other responsibilities to try to fit in a page or two of reading.
The plight of Alexander Hamilton is one that has become well known to us throughout the past few years due to the fame of the musical "Hamilton". However, this book pulls at the heartstrings via the medium of Eliza Hamilton's narrative.
I felt myself falling in love with Alexander as Eliza did, mourning the loss of members of her family and gasping at various moments.
Lovers of Phillippa Gregory and Diana Gabaldon will love this book as I do.
This book is a rare treasure and I admit I will definitely re-read it at some point. A treat.

This novel about the wife of Alexander Hamilton felt like it was missing something. I think it was the fact that there was no real antagonist or any main trial or obstacle for the protagonists to overcome. There were interesting events and hardships that cropped up but they were quickly resolved. I understand real history doesn't always lend itself to a clear antagonist or the arc of a good story line, but it's still necessary for a captivating novel.

I also felt there was too much "telling" and not enough "showing" which I felt made it more difficult to really connect with the characters.

It was well written though, and there were some very good scenes I enjoyed. I also couldn't help but picture Eddie Redmayne as Alexander for some reason, I guess because he had red hair in Pillars of the Earth, which certainly helped increase the enjoyment factor. But ultimately, I felt like portions of the book dragged, and the duel with Burr wound up rather anti-climatic.

I do not typically read Historical Romance but the subject matter, era and the notable characters sparked my interest. There is also the fact that I hadn’t read a story by Susan Holloway Scott yet and I’ve heard about her stories and wanted to give it a try. As an enthusiast of American History, I have to admit, I originally decided not to read any historical fiction books about Hamilton for reasons I won’t go into here today. Since the story is written in another person’s point of view-his wife-I had to see how the author portrayed Hamilton in this light.
Alexander Hamilton, is an important figure in our history and has certainly has had the spotlight of late. He served under George Washington during the American Revolution and was the first Secretary of the Treasury in this new Country. He was intelligent, visionary and had high goals for his life and country. But what about his personal life and his relationships with the people around Him? That is what I wanted to read more about.
Elizabeth Schulyler Hamilton was the daughter of a wealthy War General and whose family was high regarded. She grew up in the comfort and wellbeing of her parent’s household. History tells us she was a woman of strong character and kindness.
In I, Eliza Hamilton, Eliza and Hamilton’s relationship grew quickly as I can imagine it did in real life and you get a real sense of how it could have been. I hung on to ever word for the first half of the book and was truly in awe over the prose. Beautiful writing and I really felt like I was transported back in the period. The portrayal of Hamilton was an interesting one. I’m still undecided how I truly feel about him. In this story, I really don’t feel I got a sense of his greatness as I thought I would but I did get a sense of the man he was in his personal life. For me that was interesting to see the contrast between the two.
I will admit that a little over half way through I was starting to run out of steam a bit. Eliza was getting on my nerves and I felt things were getting a bit repetitive-if you will. I put the story aside for a few days before picking it up again to finish and I was able to finish it. I had serious doubts I wasn’t going to be able to finish the book, which bothered me since this story is beautifully written. I rallied on and took some time to gather my thoughts about the story as a whole. I believe this story could have been shorten a bit and scenes left out. I also wanted to see some of the other characters role in the story expanded a little. Having said that all this, overall, I am glad I chose to read the book.
I have rated this story three stars.
Stephanie M. Hopkins

I, Eliza Hamilton is an interesting read and I enjoyed it. Most definitely a must read.

After the unparalleled success of the smash hit musical “Hamilton”, the renewed interest in this founding father has inspired several other works of fiction, this novel being one of them. With the now better studied Founding Father having been particularly vocal in his lifetime, even on very intimate details of his private life when circumstances forced him, the most interesting feature of this book is to try to give voice to the woman who shared more of half his life and was responsible for the preservation of his writings and legacy, but left very little of herself known.

Let me first praise Susan Holloway Scott for the extended research that she has put into this book, the general historical accuracy she has consistantly pursued throughout the novel and the respect she has shown to the historical figures portrayed in her novel: Eliza Hamilton’s and her husband’s lives were remarkable and documented enough without adding unnecessary flights of fantasy. The author’s poetic licences, like the suggestion that the Reynolds’ affair had been orchestrated by Hamilton’s political enemies from the start rather than being the all too lucky endeavour of a couple of swindlers, can be forgiven.

The prologue shows Eliza shortly after her husband’s funeral thinking back of her Alexander and the story unfolds as a long flashback narrated in first person, with some exchanges of their youth seen with hindsight as an omen of Hamilton’s flaws and future tragedies looming in the distance. The novel is extensive in terms of length and strives to depict the whole quarter of a century that Eliza and Alexander shared together, with a good share of love and happiness to balance out the most grievous events of their life. Eliza’s presence and voice is a constant balm of steady affection and sense in the life of her more restless and ambitious husband, who nonetheless at some point did step back from a public office he cared about out of love for her after the loss of their unborn child in late November 1794, a gesture that more than words proves Eliza’s love and devotion was requited and deserved despite the undoubtedly despicable blemish of Hamilton’s one year affair to briefly marr their almost 25 years marriage.

I enjoyed this novel enormously and literally could not put it down, but I can understand it may not be everybody’s cup of tea. First person narration is not to everybody’s taste even if this is less felt in the first half of the novel where a more detailed account of the first one and a half year of the Hamiltons’ courtship and marriage is delivered through several fictional episodes and a lot of dialogues. However, it makes for an almost one sided diary-like report in the second half where the author’s attempt to encompass almost 23 years of hectic political life, growing family and personal turmoil and tragedies is squeezed in the same amount of pages as their first encounter and first months of marriage. The non Hamilton or historical fiction fan might not feel at complete ease with this uneven approach even if the writing style is always pleasant and smooth, but even I felt somewaht frustrated at how e.g. the Reynolds Pamphlet aftermath was dismissed in a few pages with a very speedy forgiveness on Eliza’s part – these are the moments when the historical fiction writers should express themselves in filling the gaps between the known parts and depict in more detail the psychological devastation and following very probably slow reconciliation process that such episode must have brought for Eliza but also for Hamilton.

All in all, this novel is a very good work deserving a 4.2 stars that I rounded up to 5/5 because of Ms Scott’s sense, delicacy and respect in tackling the life of two real, albeit deceased, human beings and delivering a generally accurate historical fiction, a feature that seems to be rare considering other works, even on the same subject, that I have read, both fiction and alas so called non-fiction… How can I conclude if not with Congratulations!