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While "Angelica" by Molly Beer is the story of the influential but forgotten sister-in-law of Alexander Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler Church, it is also about the American revolution and the reverberations of its alliance with France. For those who enjoy American history, stories about strong women, and complex geopolitical relationships, this is the book for you.

Angelica Church was originally born Engeltje Schuyler, the first-born to Dutch parents immersed in early American political society, and who would go on to win the hearts of all her met her, including British soldiers encountered during the Revolutionary War. Beer uses knife-edge details to spin a fascinating biography about the woman who helped forge America's independence and bolster strong ties with her French allies.

The amount of new material presented in this book is staggering, considering how important Angelica's relationship was to the war effort. The book highlights, by sheer facts, the patriarchal focus that has pigeon-holed modern society's view of early American history.

I love most historical fiction and this was no exception. In fact is probably one of my favorite books in this genre! I had never heard about Angelica Schuyler Church , except in the context of the musical "Hamilton", so I was very happy to broaden my view of this amazing woman who was part of the American revolution (as much as she could be, considering her gender). I loved her strong personality and always enjoy reading about women in history, as I don't recall learning much about women's contributions to our American history, other than Betsy Ross , when I was in my school days. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a history buff or just enjoys historical fiction as much as I do.

Angelica Schuyler was the oldest daughter of an influential Dutch family from Albany, NY, before, during and after the American Revolution. She was ambitious, loved politics, and loved being the center of attention, while also limited by the gender roles of her day. She befriended many of the heroes of the Revolution, the Founding Fathers, and many involved in the French Revolution. There were many years of wars in her lifetime, but I learned more from what the author calls 'social architecture.' Angelica influenced early American society through her friendships, her sense of patriotism and community.

The author reminds us that American democracy has always been messy, and complicated by the problem of slavery. Angelica Schuyler Church lived an amazing life. This is a good read for anyone interested in our early history from a unique perspective.

From hosting military, political and Native American leaders at her Dutch family home in Albany, to celebrating George Washington's inauguration as first American president, this well-connected woman helped to shape the American Republic.

Angelica Schuyler Church- wife, mother, daughter and sister, gained her women-centered views at her own dining room tables across America, England and France. I first encountered this influential woman in the musical Hamilton. Molly Beer, author of Angelica, weaves a fascinating portrait of Angelica. Taken from letters and other primary sources, Angelica comes to life in this engaging non-fiction work.

Perceptive spectator during the struggles of the colonies through the American Revolution, the French Revolution and other momentous founding colonial events, Angelica should be required reading for colonial history buffs, particularly those who wonder if there was a place in all the drama of founding America for women. Miss Beer reminds us that "lives are the sum of actions". Angelica Schuyler Church was a force for action in her world.


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Who was Engeltje "Angelica" Schuyler, the love interest in "Hamilton," who betrayed her younger sister who was Hamilton's wife? She was the daughter of Dutch American colonists Catherine van Rensselaer and militia Captain Philip Schuyler. She was raised outside Albany, New York. Initially sent to boarding school, she returned home during the rising upheaval over the Stamp Act.
   All her life, Angelica was surrounded by government officials and visiting dignitaries. When she was 19, the colonists petitioned King George for independence. Both the Schuyler's Albany city home and their country homes became headquarters for the Continental Army, commanded by her father.
   Against her parent's wishes, she married John Carter, an Englishman who came to the colonies as a privateer. She had four children and was a slaveholder. She crossed paths with Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, John Jay and John Quincy Adams, and lived in New York, England and France during this tumultuous era.
    "Angelica" by Molly Beer is historically accurate account and wonderfully engaging read set primarily in New York State during the Revolutionary War .

Molly Beer's Angelica is a mesmerizing journey through time and place.While guiding the reader through the fascinating life of Angelica Schuyler Church, Beer weaves a story filled with family drama, social nuance, and political intrigue. A very enjoyable and informative book, Angelica tells the story of a woman who profoundly influenced political and social history both at home and abroad.

Beer's work in Angelica is both gripping and stark in its depictions of women's permitted roles in society and the backlash they often face when stepping beyond those prescribed roles. The book is both poignant and topical and forces comparisons to the current political and social climate. For me, the book, like Angelica's life, ended far too soon. Angelica would be an excellent choice for book clubs and those who appreciate social and political history.

If you think, as I did, that you know the history of the founding of the United States, please read this book. If you think women were not involved, read "Angelica". You will learn of an amazing woman who played a significant role in the development of this country. It will be well worth your time.

Until I read "Angelica" I thought I knew so much about the American Revolution. I first became aware of the Schuyler sisters through the musical "Hamilton" so was eager to read this biography. Molly Beer's research is impeccable and, because she grew up in Angelica, New York, she provides a reader with a more complete view of these times, especially the strength of so many women, especially focusing on Angelica and her family. One intriguing concept was the concern at the time about how the so disparate colonies could unite and in what form of government. Another is how surprised the French were at the "sturdiness" of who were to become American women. Anyone who wants to have more complete knowledge of the War of Independence will find it in this biography.