The Hamilton Affair: A Novel

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Very insightful, inspiring and informative. Hamilton was an American hero, but so was his wife Elizabeth who stayed by his side.

Ms Cobbs took good advantage of the current popularity of Hamilton because of the Broadway hit musical making the rounds of the country. I am not sure that the book would have enjoyed the success it did if it had been published earlier before the musical's hit status. That made people across the country curious about Hamilton's story. That said, the book told his story well and basically accurately. I learned more about the background of the early U.S. history than I remember from high school I would highly recommend the book to high school juniors and seniors and any history buff who wants to learn MORE. I thoroughly enjoyed most of the story but if the "Affair" was anything more than fiction I would have liked to see some indication of its reality in the author's notes since it was in fact the main reason for the book. I am sure, knowing something of the accepted morals of the time that Hamilton very likely had an affair or so, but the weight of this one carries the first half of the story. That affair brought the book into the genre of romance novels--my opinion!

I've been a fan of Hamilton's from my teens (about 20 years). It took maturity to appreciate and understand why he was such an important figure in America. Its blossomed through my teens, with the connection to the West Indies (I'm also West Indian), the connection to New Jersey and New York. I'm also a Capricorn, and this book clearly picks up on the aspects of a Capricorn - hard working, a long range view, unafraid of making enemies for the ultimate goal, and an interest in law and justice. Ms. Cobb did a wonderful job putting together his life with Eliza and humanizing the men who built this country. Ajax, the free black man, that is close friends with Hamilton in the book, is fictional, but I did appreciate his presence because it explained the complexity of slavery in the northern states, who to this day, pride themselves as abolishing slavery early, but slaves did have a part in the building of this nation, and blacks were very much involved in the american revolution and did build this country from the beginning- that story weaved in, is amazing. I did not put the book down since buying it 3 days ago. As a Hamilton student, it was still refreshing to read this story, which didn't feel redundant and I didn't feel like I could predict every turn in the story, despite, knowing how the story would end LOL. I appreciate this story, and although I know there's a musical that peaked people's interests, I think its time they learn his story, as his story also springs into how New York life was in the 18th century. I hope it does bring more curiosity and recruits more history buffs!

A truly outstanding book, well researched and written. My father revered Mr. Hamilton, but I never know anything about him. It amazes me that, in 250 years, men and women have come no closer to learning that acceptance and cooperation of opposing views might better the world. A great love.

We read this book in our book club and everyone enjoyed it. There was a lot of this part of history that I did not know or did not remember. The relationship of Alexander and Eliza is the crux of the novel, but one learns a lot about the politics at the time as well. The only part of the book that dragged a bit was the section on the last few battles that Hamilton fought in the Revolutionary War with Washington. But once one gets past that section, things move along well. It was a good reminder that democracy has always been a messy endeavor and how ordinary and extraordinary lives get swept up in the mess. This is NOT a romance novel by any stretch of the imagination and the historical figures are portrayed as fallible human beings who love deeply. A very interesting read and not at all boring.

I generally am not a fan of historical novels, especially American ones. However, This was a quick read that I enjoyed more than I expected. We’ve all learned about the great revolutionary forefathers at some point, but Alexander Hamilton came alive for me in this book, as a flawed, yet likable and honorable, man. I was disappointed in the somewhat flat portrayal of Elizabeth Schuyler. She was depicted as infinitely patient and forgiving, keeping her ideas and needs to herself, and behaving as the perpetual saint throughout. I’m sure she was as flawed as anyone else, and I’d be curious to know more about her. The dialog also did the story a disservice, as Cobbs intentionally modernized the language characters used in order to make it more digestible for modern readers. While well-intended, this move made the book read as a YA novel at best and at worst made the characters sound cartoonish. Still, it was refreshing to read a historical novel that let the upheaval of the American Revolution act as a backdrop rather than as the story itself. I’m sure I learned at some point that Hamilton had a Caribbean background or that he had so many enemies in the government, one who ultimately killed him in a duel, but these facts became real for me after reading this. Suddenly Alexander Hamilton is my favorite forefather, and Elizabeth Schuyler-Hamilton my favorite foremother.

I had read brief accounts of Alexander Hamilton’s life, and from what I had read, found him to be a very admirable and under-appreciated as to his importance as one of the founding fathers. I was happy when I saw what this book was about, especially concerning its glowing reviews. The writing is excellent and takes history and makes it living and breathing. Since the ending of Hamilton’s life is well-known, I was still hoping for a better ending. Such a sad waste. I do know that I came away not much liking Thomas Jefferson, and especially James Monroe. John Adams isn’t very high in my estimations either. If Hamilton had pursued the same route as the other founding fathers, he would be much more well-known. He didn’t seem to seek the glory the others went for. Seemed to have been much more humble and self-effacing. The book is definitely worth reading.

The Hamilton Affair is a richly rewarding read. It portrays Alexander Hamilton as a historic figure full of intelligence and ambition. He used the events of his birth to propel him to use all of his aptitudes and abilities to help from a country that embarrassed freedom from the kinds of prejudice that encumbered those who lacked wealth of power. The book also shows the strengths and contributions Eliza made to her husband's career through her love, support, and willingness to be of assistance at a time when society saw women as nothing more than chattel. Elizabeth Cobbs' portrait of the couple is, in my opinion, balanced and informative. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical biographies or good books from which one can enlighten their mind.

Als Fan des Hamilton Musicals musste ich mir das Buch zulegen... und ich wurde nicht enttäuscht! Jeder der das Musical liebt wird um dieses Buch nicht herumkommen!

I wanted to learn more about the life of Alexander Hamilton after seeing the fantastic musical in Chicago - I achieved this plus was enchanted by the story of the devotion of his beloved wife. What a story and told in such a way that made history come alive! I loved this book.

Interesting and well written. Enjoyed the history and story.

If you don't really know about American history, this is a great opportunity to learn without dealing with good ol' history books. If English is not your first language, this book can broaden your vocabulary. I am not one to give away 5 stars, but I can't find a reason not to. I wasn't expecting much from this book and it turned out to be a delightful surprise. 5/5 will look for similar titles from the same author

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