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Book Summary and Reviews of My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray

My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray

My Dear Hamilton

A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton

by Stephanie Dray

  • Readers' Rating (3):
  • Published:
  • Apr 2018, 672 pages
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About this book

Book Summary

From the New York Times bestselling authors of America's First Daughter comes the epic story of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton—a revolutionary woman who, like her new nation, struggled to define herself in the wake of war, betrayal, and tragedy. Perfect for fans of Ron Chernow's biography Alexander Hamilton and fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton: the Musical.

In this haunting, moving, and beautifully written novel, Dray and Kamoie used thousands of letters and original sources to tell Eliza's story as it's never been told before—not just as the wronged wife at the center of a political sex scandal—but also as a founding mother who shaped an American legacy in her own right.

A general's daughter…

Coming of age on the perilous frontier of revolutionary New York, Elizabeth Schuyler champions the fight for independence. And when she meets Alexander Hamilton, Washington's penniless but passionate aide-de-camp, she's captivated by the young officer's charisma and brilliance. They fall in love, despite Hamilton's bastard birth and the uncertainties of war.

A founding father's wife...

But the union they create—in their marriage and the new nation—is far from perfect. From glittering inaugural balls to bloody street riots, the Hamiltons are at the center of it all—including the political treachery of America's first sex scandal, which forces Eliza to struggle through heartbreak and betrayal to find forgiveness.

The last surviving light of the Revolution…

When a duel destroys Eliza's hard-won peace, the grieving widow fights her husband's enemies to preserve Alexander's legacy. But long-buried secrets threaten everything Eliza believes about her marriage and her own legacy. Questioning her tireless devotion to the man and country that have broken her heart, she's left with one last battle—to understand the flawed man she married and imperfect union he could never have created without her…

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See what our members are saying about this book in our Community Forum.

What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (1/8/2026)
...er a day of Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy as part of Nick Senger's Chapter-a-Day Read Along. It's 365 chapters so I hope I stick with it. Also reading My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie for an American Revolution program at a nearby library at the end of January. And finally, I started a Bible in a Year reading program...
-Lana_Maskus


If you’ve read any of Stephanie Dray’s other novels, how does this one compare? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
Like others here, I had only read The Women of Chateau Lafayette before this book. I loved the earlier book and was worried that this one wouldn't be as gripping. But to my surprise and delight, this book was every bit as good and was quite gripping. My sister recommends My Dear Hamilton very hig...
-Kathleen_L


What audience would you recommend The Frozen River to? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
First author that came to mind because of the time period (American Revolution) was historical fiction author Stephanie Dray, who co wrote My Dear Hamilton and America's First Daughter with Laura Kamoie. Ms. Dray's more recent publications have also won high praise and have a more contemporary se...
-Diane_Jones

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Reviews

Media Reviews

"This entertaining blend of romance, fictional biography, and history will be in suitably high demand." ―Booklist

"Through Eliza's eyes we are treated to an in-depth portrait of Hamilton, not to mention forward-looking psychoanalysis of his genius and personality defects." ―Kirkus Reviews

"Beautifully written and meticulously researched, this stunning novel captures the courage, strength, and kindness of the remarkable woman behind Alexander Hamilton. A fascinating read!" ―Ellen Marie Wiseman, international bestselling author of The Life She Was Given

"No study of Alexander Hamilton would be complete without reading this book [...] Full of history, engaging characters who shimmer on each page, and a tremendous love story, this is a book for everyone." ―Karen White, New York Times bestselling author

This information about My Dear Hamilton was first featured in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.

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Author Information

Stephanie Dray

Stephanie Dray is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-nominated author of historical women s fiction. Her work has been translated into six different languages, was nominated for RWA s RITA Award, and won NJRW s Golden Leaf. She is a frequent panelist and presenter at national writing conventions and lives near the nation's capital.

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