The Hamilton Affair: A Novel

This is one of the best works of historical fiction I have ever read. I am a huge fan of novels that both explore an historical character, and provide a compelling story at the same time. I was wondering how a novel about Hamilton would fare when placed up against the musical, and I think that while it is hard to imagine anything with the sheer flair of Lin-Manuel's masterpiece, it is fair to say that I actually found the characters deeper, more interesting, and in the end more satisfying than I did with the broadway play. Kudos Elizabeth Cobbs! I would highly recommend.

A good exploration of the man who created the economic foundation on which our country was built. I wish we had more of his early life and I wish Hamilton had kept a personal diary. That would have been a treat. This is a good read that explores Elizabeth Hamilton as well. Highly recommended!

Author did, in my opinion, more than an excellent job of mixing historical truth with fiction. ..Hamilton was truly a man...A REAL man...There is a reason his face is on our currency!!..and Burr is ONLY remembered as the individual that shot him...
Telling the story through the life and times of his wife gives the book added insight to his personal life....She, too, was a woman destined to be remembered. .
There isn't one page of this that is boring. ..read it...you'll see

Couldn't put this book down! So well written with an even flow from fact to fact. I could feel the atmosphere in the rooms and cities the author describes. I don't know why I don't remember most of his contributions to the birth of our nation and government but am so glad I know now! I want to read more about his wife Eliza. I live in upstate New York so the rich history of the Dutch settlements and Battle of Saratoga are more in prospecive now for me.

I very much enjoyed learning about Hamilton and his wife Eliza from this book. I was a little intimidated to read the Chernow version at first but wanted to learn more about Hamilton. This book was well-written and fun to read and I do believe relatively historically correct. I felt like I had a better understanding of this important person in our American history. I lived in Charlottesville VA for awhile and thought I knew a lot about Thomas Jefferson but was surprised to learn about this side of his personality based on Hamilton's perceptions.

I just finished reading the Hamilton Affair. Alexander kept me up late and broke my heart. Elizabeth Cobbs provides the fallible and human side of the politicians that we read about in history books. Well researched and superbly written. At moments I was moved to laughter and then to tears.

Alexander Hamilton’s life is a true tragedy. Or I should say his death, since his life was admirable.
I am so glad that Lin-Manuel Miranda’s incredible musical has finally earned Hamilton his place of honor in American history. It is long overdue.
It should take Thomas Jefferson’s reputation down a few notches and officially acknowledge that he is the father of political slander and partisanship. Thanks a lot, Tom.

I can hardly part with the $10's in my wallet that's how obsessed I am with Alexander Hamilton. If you're interested in a beautiful story woven around the historical facts read this! You won't be sorry.

Good read - keep me riveted - - knew the original facts but still admired the details written by Cobbs - - and felt I was understanding the times and culture plus the conflicting cultural norms for women versus women. Also liked the author's description af all players, particularly Hamilton and his wife Eliza. Would recommend it highly. First historical novel I have read in hears and well done.

I am only about 35 pages into the book and it makes for interesting reading.I knew next to nothing about Alexander Hamilton especially is when he was. a boy. Not jumping up and down with excitement and intrigue nor is this a flat out boring story. Cobb writes okay. Will fill u in when I finish ; but I like the boy/ youth story.....

I hit 5 stars and it showed 4 but this was definitly a five. HAMILTON AND HIS WIFE WERE TWO VERY HONABLE PEOPLE. THANK YOU FOR WRITING THEIR STORY. Todays politicans should read this book and see how much we haven,t changed.fron way back then. A nation divided cannot accomplish anything.

This book promised to fill in the blanks and flesh out the details of a tale I find most intriguing. I was disappointed. It revealed little beyond what I already knew from Chernow's biography and Miranda's Broadway musical. A valiant effort, however.

He fictionalized some characters, which I caught, but interesting in the persons he didn't add. I am not happy with authors that put modern mores in a historical timeline. History is history, don't embellish.

I enjoyed this book in great part because I knew very little about Hamilton and I think she presented a balanced picture of the man. I will say it seemed a bit romanticized and sanitized for my taste though when it came to their marriage and relationship.

This is a very well written (and practically no typos!), condensed version of Alexander Hamilton's biography, which conveys his life story with the author's use of artistic license, including plenty to keep the readers' interest. It'd be great preparation for going to see the musical "Hamilton" - or a good substitute, if you can't get tickets...

Elizabeth Cobbs did a remarkable and fascinating piece of writing on this novel, it has everything a good read is suppose to have except, romance intrigue, and historical accurate historical facts. This is a book both my husband and I could enjoy. I couldn't put it down. History buff or not, do not miss this book. The characters and places are well defined and intelligently presented, Cobbs touched my heart.

Perfect book to read before seeing HAMILTON. Not being much of a history buff, reading Cobbs novel made me even more excited to see the musical and anxious to learn more about our founding fathers and the women in their lives.

I really wanted to like this book, I really did...but the chapters were too discombobulated for me. Each chapter was a moment in a particular month and year. The issue that I had was that each chapter just a gave a brief glimpse into a situation, and many times there was no satisfactory conclusion. An example was when Eliza's mother was having a difficult birth, and at the end it ended with Eliza wondering if her mother would survive. The next chapter of Eliza's (as her and Hamilton are every other chapter around each other) is a year later and it becomes obvious that her mother did make it. Hamilton's as well skidded about. Though interesting it made for a very uneven flow. It became so annoying that I just couldn't finish it. I was very sad as they were interesting characters, but the writing style was very not to my taste.

I got this after reading a review in the WSJ, which has rarely steered me wrong on good books. This book was one of those rare misfires. It's written with the simplicity and superficiality of a young adult book. I was so struck by this that I doublechecked on the store to make sure it wasn't branded as young adult. What might have been a great story of love, personal affairs and American history has in this book the complexity of a Hallmark after- school special. And the author's character descriptions are straight out of the warehouse. Women are strong and practical; Native Americans dark-haired and proud; revolutionaries sad but resolute -- all paint by numbers stuff. Overall, a big disappointment.

Honestly probably the worst book I've read that was meant for adults. Additionally, there are several points in the story that don't line up with actual history. The author constantly gets little facts wrong, barely mentions things that were very important to Hamilton's daily life (Washington's Farewell Address, for example), and even words things and structures the novel to reminisce that of the Hamilton musical, NOT Hamilton's actual life. My biggest problem of this novel, however, is that it's written like a fourteen year old's fanfiction. This man is one of our founding fathers. He helped to structure our government. Instead of paying homage to this brilliant man, the author decides to discuss his "throbbing erection." Instead of mentioning virtually anything worthwhile about his equally as significant wife, the author just constantly reminds us that she's pregnant again. At the end of the book, we skip from 1804 all the way to 1854, not even MENTIONING everything that Eliza Hamilton accomplished during those times. All in all, this was a HORRIBLE book, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who knows absolutely anything about history.

This is Hamilton's moment, and it's kind of surprising that more authors haven't tried to cash in on the musical sensation of a generation. But author Elizabeth Cobbs has accepted the challenge, copiously researching the period and familiarizing herself with the story of this complicated man, his wife, her family, and other contemporaries to create a work of historical fiction, emphasis on history. Normally I enjoy this genre, but I found Hamilton Affair tedious and bloated.

One issue with the book is that the author includes material that should have served as back story. I appreciate her research and assume she didn't include every anecdote, but too often I finished a chapter and wondered why it had been included as it did not add to the character or advance the plot. A different editor might have prevailed on Cobbs to delete those sections, even though they describe events that actually occurred, to help make the book more readable.

I also found the linguistic transitions awkward. There are well-documented historical moments mixed with private conversations whose language seems more appropriate for a romance novel, a little too bodice-ripperesque for me. I realize it is a hard balance to achieve in a book of this kind, where fact informs the fiction, but the style changes didn't work for me.

Given the Hamilton-mania, I am not surprised that others enjoyed this book. After the first 100 pages, I began skimming.

Not a fan of pure fiction based on skeletal remains. The reader soon realizes 90% of the book is imagined narrative, emotion and intent. A fantasy. Perhaps I'd be more amenable were the author to reference her scholarly research to help convey her accuracy. But nothing. I prefer such stories to be based on available evidence, not imagination. Imagine David McCoullough putting words into John and Abigail Adams' mouths... But to each his own and no doubt my shortcoming for not appreciating historical FICTION.

I freely admit to having being attracted to this book after watching the smash hit musical on the American former statesman whose revelation of his one year illicit adulterous affair with Maria Reynolds (most likely a well preconceived trap engineered with her colluding husband) marked the beginning of his political downfall and understandably wounded Hamilton's loving wife, who nonetheless stood by his side despite his flaws and saw him earn his forgiveness through hardships and the shared sorrow for the death of their first born son.

This novel went beyond expectations and plausibly depicted both Alexander Hamilton and Eliza from their childhood to their loving marriage through Hamilton's honestly despicable lapse of reason during his affair to their reconciliation and his untimely death. Chapter after chapter the point of view shifts from Hamilton's to Eliza's and reports facts more correctly than the musical does, e.g. dismissing any possibility of platonic romantic attachment between Hamilton and Eliza's sister Angelica - the man had to atone for his real indiscretion enough even without making too much of the affection for his sister-in-law who eloped with her English husband long before Hamilton met Eliza and started courting her in February 1780.

Some reviewers have complained for some graphic sexual reference, like a single mention of the erection just thinking of his mistress brought him. Believe me when I say that for a fiction novel on a couple who had 8 children let alone the miscarriages and a husband who exposed his one year affair with a low-born illiterate, but evidently sexwise expert woman, I would have expected a much more heated retelling.

On the contrary, the author surprised me by tackling the references to intimate scenes and thoughts in a very delicate manner, so if you were looking for the Penthouse equivalent of Hamilton's biography with a single focus on American politcs' first sex scandal, you will not find it here, since the Reynolds affair is only a fairly short section, however relevant for the damage it brought in Hamilton's life, as it ultimately was in reality. On the other hand, if you would like to picture the documented pieces of the jigsaw of both Hamiltons's life together, this novel provides a rather accurate, respectful, plausible and pleasant portrayal of one of America's founding fathers and his remarkable wife.

I have been intrigued by the life of one our greatest founding fathers, the first Treasury secretary, Alexander Hamilton.

This is a historical based novel on the life of Alexander Hamilton from early childhood, his relationship with his wife Elizabeth Schuyler, his indiscressions and untimely death premature death at the hands of this nation's third Vice President, Aaron Burr.

The book is well researched. Her writing style is entertaining and easy to follow.

This was a very enjoyable account of Alexander Hamilton's life. I wasn't sure I was going to like it, and wondered if it was (given the title) basically going to focus on Hamilton's affair with Maria Reynolds, and impact on marriage to Eliza Schuyler. It really is a much more complete account of Hamilton's life from birth in the Caribbean to death in duel with Aaron Burr at age 47 (or perhaps 49). Although written as fiction, it is very well researched and engaging - I've read Ron Chernow's massive biography of Hamilton, and this book seemed to cover most of main points of Hamilton's remarkable life. The dialogue was good and believable - I felt I really was "listening" into conversations Hamilton would have had, especially with his wife Eliza and children, along with his political enemies (Jefferson in particular).

This is an easy and enjoyable read - I'd recommend it to someone who has seen the musical (or listened to soundtrack) of Hamilton - It definitely helps tell the story and fills in the musical (which really does tell the story in more detail than I thought possible). Of course the Chernow book is out there too, though is much longer and detailed, though also reads very well!

Very highly recommended!

Having read Chernow's biography "Hamilton" I was not sure what this book could add. The answer is entertainment. While Chernow's book focuses on the political development of Hamilton this one gets more to the relationships with a vignette structure. In both books Hamilton is definitely portrayed as a lousy husband who is pretty dysfunctional with relationships. Reading about a sex scandal that happened during the dawn of this country and how it was handled gives readers pause to think about how far we have not progressed. There was no reality tv, social media or even great news coverage but a dalliance still rocked Hamilton's world and how his wife handled it may have been a model for a prominent political female leader . Very entertaining read. Somehow the author keeps Hamilton likable even though he is a scoundrel, it makes me wonder if he was really a charismatic guy.

This is a fictional retelling of the Hamilton family. The author poignantly described key issues of the era, which we in modern America still struggle with today. Racism, prejudice, women's rights, poverty, inequality, family struggles, and political upheaval were all addressed in thoughtful, insightful ways. Readers can relate current society to the pangs of history.

What struck me most about this book was the author's boldness in addressing women's roles and health and realistic life. Not since "Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret," have I read a book in popular fiction that talks about menstruation as a normal and important part of womanhood. The Eliza character, who became Mrs. Hamilton, was written in a refreshingly feminist focus. She maintained her own personal hopes and dreams, and saw a future for herself in which she would live happily with no husband, if she could not marry someone to match her desire for wildness and sense of freedom.

As a preteen, she was adopted into the local Iroquois tribe with the name "One-of-us" after she rushed into a fast flowing river to save a canoe. Throughout the book, there was the sense that she saw the Native Peoples as equals, and felt proud to be an honorary member of their community.

The danger of childbirth and the tragedy of infant mortality was addressed as Eliza refused to leave her mother's bedside during a particularly difficult childbirth. Because Eliza loved the animals on the family farm, she had been able to witness calving. This was her sex education.

On her wedding night, her mother presented her with sexy lingerie. I was stunned with the openness of the mother-daughter talk in that scene. As Eliza lay in bed waiting for her husband to join her, she promised herself she would do her "duty." She imagined all the animals she had seen copulating and wondered if it would be like that. Turns out, sex was way better than she ever imagined!

In many ways, I read this as a "coming of age" type of book, shown from both Eliza's and Alexander's points of view. If the reader stopped 3/4 of the way through the book, it could end as a romance novel.

The writing style was one I associate with "Young Adult" fiction. It was not particularly sophisticated, which could be a bonus to people who enjoy a quick read. In my opinion, this book is appropriate for a YA audience.

2-1/2 stars

I read this for book club and we timed it so that we could read it before Hamilton the Musical comes to town. (I’ll be seeing it in a month.) I didn’t know much about Alexander Hamilton before reading this novel. I found parts of his story interesting (his childhood, his drive to make something of himself, his intelligence, his bravery, his stupidity, his family life with Eliza) but much of it dealt with stuff that doesn’t interest me (war and politics). The novel itself felt clunky in the telling as it jumped through important points in his life, was sometimes too textbookish, and sometimes too mundane. The best section, with the most compelling storyline and clearest writing, was when Eliza returned to her parents’ house after the Reynolds’ Pamphlet was published. Other than that section, the book never grabbed me. I didn’t know what to expect of his story but this wasn’t really it. I’m amazed that a musical about his life has been so successful. I had just assumed that his life story was more spectacular somehow. Instead, he was misrepresented and slandered, never seemed to get the respect he deserved and craved, was always fighting an uphill battle in almost every aspect of his life, and died too soon. It doesn’t seem like the material for a successful Broadway production which makes me want to see the musical all the more. How intriguing!

I’ve always liked Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father who thought a strong central government was key to success and a strong financial basis for a new nation key to growth. I’ve read where he’s been demonized by his fellow patriots for his views. It was a fantastic change to see him humanized in the middle, neither a firm monarchist nor a superhuman figure. His relationship with Elizabeth Schuyler is explored with as adept a skill. I thoroughly enjoyed this look at an often misunderstood man.

As mentioned, Hamilton was portrayed fantastically as a three-dimensional man. I loved seeing his journey in growth from a man of uncertain beginnings to a deviser of national finances and industrial growth. Each step in his life from apprentice to warrior to father to Secretary of the Treasury is given equal measure. I liked seeing his insecurities in regards to his origins and what he deserved out of life; he grew from them to become real to me beyond words on a page.

I also liked how the author portrayed Elizabeth, though she didn't spend as much time on her. She's made out as a practical, sensible woman looking to make her own way in the world and love in marriage, a thought far removed from the norm of the day. I felt she was a wonderful balance for Alexander's ambition and intelligence.

Seeing the American Revolution, early Colonial society, and the early years of a struggling republic also made for intriguing reading. Besides fighting for a common ideal and enemy, so many opinions and plans were involved with the shaping of our country. It's fascinating to contemplate where the nation might have gone if Jefferson and Madison had had their way...

The author's done a great job of balancing the intimate of characters and relationship with the broadness of history, war, and politics. I got to know the Hamiltons well enough to make them feel real. I feel this is a worthy read for any lover of the era, the American Revolution and Founding Fathers in particular.

In The Hamilton Affair, Elizabeth Cobbs portrays the journey of love between Elizabeth Schuyler and the first United States Treasury Secretary and founding father, Alexander Hamilton. Set during the American Revolution, The Hamilton Affair takes the reader through Hamilton’s journey of love, war, betrayals, and his final redemption. This historical fiction novel shows the challenges of young America and temptations of Eliza and Alexander.
Alexander Hamilton began his life in considerable shame; being a bastard and an orphan, but overtime gained respect with strategic military victories and powerful speeches and pamphlets. Due to this, George Washington appointed him the treasury secretary of the brand new nation. However, his career in politics was very challenging, due to many controversies involving Hamilton and his opposition to the majority’s views. In the novel, Cobbs depicts this as many pivotal points and tough decisions throughout the novel.
This book would be fantastic for all readers 12 and older, especially those that are interested in Alexander Hamilton and the American Revolution. The Hamilton Affair is one of my favorite Historical Fiction novels, and I believe others will enjoy this novel just as much as I did!
Review by Grace P., age 15, Mensa 76

With all the hoopla surrounding the Tony award winning Broadway musical, "Hamilton", it is little wonder that this well-written work of historical fiction strikes a chord. The timeliness of this book could not be better. So, when the publisher offered me a review copy of the book for an impartial review, I was quite interested. Moreover, historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.

Replete with historical detail, The book for the most part, rings true with authenticity of time and place. The book follows Alexander Hamilton from his youth on the island of St. Croix in the Caribbean, where he grew up with the stigma of bastardy, a shame that was to overshadow his entire life, to his relocation in New York as a young man, seeking higher education and a way to make his fortune and leave his mark on the world.

Hamilton was to be caught up in the whirlwind and fervor of pre-revolutionary America and emerged as one of the heroes and leaders of the American revolution. The book does a wonderful job of conveying the turbulence and competing interests of the various colonies and leaders of that era Hamilton's marriage to a Liza Shiloh her daughter a general Siler, is a pivotal point in his personal life, one that would sit served anchor him.

The author, an award-winning historian, expertly details the political turmoil and jockeying of the era. If we think our current political landscape is crazy, one need only look to Hamilton's day to see what political partisanship craziness really is! Hamilton was demonized by his enemies, and his extramarital affair with the unscrupulous and amoral Maria Reynolds was to be grist for their anti-Hamilton propaganda. It certainly was a blow to his wife, one from which she would have difficulty recovering and would test the bonds of their marriage until Hamilton's tragic end. The author weaves a compelling tapestry of both their lives.

One comes away from reading this book with an appreciation for what Alexander Hamilton did for this country. Like all good historical fiction, this book entertains the reader, while whetting one's appetite for more. Those who enjoy the historical fiction genre, will find much to like about this book. It certainly sparked my interest in learning more about Alexander Hamilton's life, prompting me to want to read the renowned Hamilton biography by Ron Chernow.

Elizabeth Cobbs’ novel adds a lot of detail to the generalities most of us know about Alexander Hamilton. The author, in typical fashion for historical novels or some biographies if you will, fills in the blanks of what we know, It filled in some open history holes - for now at least.

Covers 1768 (born 1757) to 1804. His widow lived until 1854, saw abolition in NY and foresaw the coming Civil War. The book covers the major parts of Hamilton’s life, his families, their trials and trevails - and his actions, both good and bad, growing up, pre-1777, war years, later very stressed years (I’m being kind) and of course the duel. As you might expect there is lots of great dialogue.

Alexander and Elizabeth(Eliza) were always abolitionists. His oldest son, Peter (19), was killed in a duel just before Alexander in July 1804. I did not know of Alexander’s West Indian birth and upbringing in the colony of Christiansted, St. Croix. His early life in the metropolis of New York and college there was a surprise. Certainly his pre-revolutionary writing fervor and leadership at 18 is new as was his front line and staff officer service in Washington’s army. Missed that somehow. His post-war experiences as lawyer and Secretary of the Treasury were wild, but not too different from others in those times. He fervently kept his belief in “honor” as defined in colonial days. His political/economic views then crossed the spectrum of today’s - in a time of divisiveness similar to ours. I now understand I had only a general familiarity with his post-revolution - and official - life.

I’ll hold the family and lots of other details for you to enjoy. Highly recommended. I give it five stars. A thoughtfully written and full biography. Read and ENJOY.

I have always been a history lover. Give me a factual, scholarly, historical tome or a historical fictional story of a time, place or person and I can sit and disappear into that time or place for hours.
Due to the Broadway musical “Hamilton” many people are being introduced or reintroduced to one of the brilliant founding architects of our republic and THE HAMILTON AFFAIR by Elizabeth Cobbs is an enjoyable historical fiction overview of Alexander and Elizabeth Hamilton’s lives and their love.
The beginning of the book alternates between Alexander’s harsh life on St. Croix as a boy. He and his brother were declared bastards as they were born into a second marriage by his mother. He refused to let anything stop his ambitions and arrived in the colonies to educate and better himself after his mother’s death. In the alternate chapters we get to meet Elizabeth “Eliza” Schuyler and her privileged family of wealth. From her life on the family farm and love of animals to her very open and honest opinions.
When the two come together in marriage, the book follows the couple through the remainder of the Revolutionary War and the author does an informative, yet entertaining, job of describing the establishment of our federal government with all of Hamilton’s achievements and also all of the political intrigue and mud-slinging. This is balanced well by the author’s descriptions of the Hamilton home life, children, extended family and friends. Hamilton’s affair that almost destroyed his marriage and most definitely put a stop to his further political ambitions is also covered.
I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and covered Alexander and Elisabeth’s lives in an easy to read historical fiction format.
Thank you to Skyhorse Publishing, Arcade Publishing and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fictionalized biography (based on real events) of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of this country. It begins with his origins on a Caribbean island, where he works hard and is eventually sponsored for a trip to New York. It alternates back and forth between chapters narrated by Hamilton and those narrated by Eliza, his future wife, as she leads her idyllic life, but without the love of a man. Once in America Hamilton gets involved in the Revolution and ends up being George Washington's aide-de-camp. The book covers many years and many events, so it doesn't go into much depth with many of them.

Overall I found the characters extremely well drawn and sympathetic, and the story was very interesting. I'd definitely recommend this if you're interested in this genre.

I mostly read and review nonfiction. However, I am willing to make one significant exception to this, namely, historical fiction. I do this because at its best this genre can make what otherwise can be a tedious listing of dates and facts come to life. And when the work of historical fiction is essentially true to these facts, expanding on them primarily for the purpose of fleshing out the human aspect of the narrative, the end result can be a palatable way of learning history. And so, when I was contacted about receiving a copy of "The Hamilton Affair" by Elizabeth Cobbs in exchange for my willingness to write an honest review, I gladly accepted the opportunity.

As someone who likes to think of himself as impervious to hype and trendiness, I have paid scant attention to the recent popularity of Alexander Hamilton, which apparently has been aided and abetted by a musical bearing his name. So, other than what I knew about Alexander Hamilton through my general knowledge of American History, I had little understanding of the man, his life, and his times. Having now completed reading the work by Ms. Cobbs, I can say that it has been illuminating and did a wonderful job of commanding my attention and giving me a better understanding of the man.

Despite the book's title, "The Hamilton Affair" is far more than a work about Hamilton's affair with Maria Reynolds. In fact, the affair does not occur until more than halfway through the book, at which time Hamilton is Secretary of the Treasury, has long since married Elizabeth (Eliza) Schuyler, and their rather large family is already well on its way to completion. The first part of the book describes Hamilton's youth in St. Croix of the Virgin Islands, his emigration to the British Colonies, his schooling, his service during the Revolutionary War, his meeting Eliza, and the early years of their marriage. Also, the early years of Eliza's life are given significant play.

Part Two of the book describes Hamilton's affair with the aforementioned Mrs. Reynolds, his confession of it to his wife, the rift it caused and the slow healing of that rift, and how knowledge of the affair was used by Hamilton's political enemies to make life difficult and at times miserable for him. We also are introduced to Aaron Burr, one of these opponents, who bore a grudge against Hamilton, which eventually resulted in the duel that cost Hamilton his life.

Although "The Hamilton Affair" started a little slowly for my tastes and I found the frequent shifting between Hamilton's early life and that of Eliza to be a bit disconcerting, the pace soon picked up and it became a thoroughly enjoyable book to read. Elizabeth Cobbs is an excellent writer, with a great feeling for realistic dialogue and description. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in historical fiction or in the life of Alexander Hamilton.

I am enjoying this book, easy read, fairly well researched. I live about 2 miles from the Schuyler-Hamilton House in Morristown, NJ. My town is famous for its Revolutionary War history (Washington's Headquarters/winter encampment, site of much Revolutionary War significance a lot of which has been carefully preserved. Morristown also hosted many key military, political, and historical figures and events of that era. So, when I began chapter 17, entitled "June 1778, Monmouth County, Pennsylvania"... Yikes! It's New Jersey, not Pennsylvania! The Battle of Monmouth was Monmouth County, NJ! Okay, so other than that "slight" oversight, it's a good, interesting, and fun read, definitely recommend.

While the story is told in third person, it switches back and forth between the stories of Alexander and Eliza. The author obviously did her research, though there were a few points in the novel where I felt the details of the time period kind of slowed the narrative.

I'm not sure when Cobbs began writing this novel, but the timing of its release seems a bit like it's riding the coattails of the musical, and like the musical, kind of paints the characters with a soft-focus lens. It's an easy read though, especially if you have read Chernow's biography or you're familiar with the musical.

I read the glowing reviews and testimonials, but have concluded that the emperor is naked. While the spelling and grammar pass scrutiny, the writing is uneven, simplistic as if written for eight year olds, but then disgusting anti-female concepts are introduced., using cute phrases to call women whores, overtly embellishing menstruation, etc.The scenes show an utter inability to connect to the humanity of the historical characters. After a while even the quotes preceding chapters moved to characature. The book is ultimately repulsive on many levels.

The Hamilton Affair: A Novel describes exactly of the book’s premise. A historical novel with one of the most renowned Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton and his rise to that legend and notoriety as well as other major events that shaped his life to become an icon in American history and to have a Broadway play created in his honor. Historian Elizabeth Cobbs takes the subject of history to another level that she is all, too, familiar with in terms of retelling the past be it through non-fiction and fiction. She admits that most of the story in the novel is based on the initial history but it is subtle elements such as characters Ajax Manly is the flexible and fictitious part of the story and interspersed and weaves throughout the book in the beginning during Hamilton’s formative years in the Caribbean and as his mother passed and he and his brother had to fend for themselves and later re-emerges in North America. The novel is eloquently written and it is that style that entices reader’s interest, readers of history or historical fiction.

The novel is written in chronological order and begins during Hamilton and would be wife Elizabeth Schulyer’s life, although separately explained within alternating chapters within the section titled “Love and Revolution, 1768-1781”. If that section is not riveting, read on with the proceeding chapters that build and build with anticipation of what will happen next much similar to a semi-epic novel that involves romance and war but not quite at the level of “War and Peace,” this book contains 400 pages as opposed to the over 1,000 or so but still has that quality to the story line. Aside from that distant comparison, it is a story of Hamilton and Eliza’s romance and relationship that slowly develops and when they finally meet it is when Eliza’s father General Schulyer returns home unexpectedly along with Hamilton and the moment is a star-struck one by the first 200 pages. And all the while, Colonel Hamilton attempts to wage a war and victory against the Redcoats with campaigns in Trenton and Albany, New York and thereafter his path towards a political career in Philadelphia after 1781. The interesting part of the book is that touch of blending fiction and non-fiction and creating a story that draws in the reader regardless if they are aficionados of history or of literature; Cobbs tells a story of mostly historical characters within the similar vein as a Jane Austen novel, the characters are the major components and how they are portrayed; one may love or be indifferent of them. Such was the example of a few parallels that breathed irony, as a result of defying orders from General George Washington, for punishment Lt. Col. John Laurens and Major Charles Lee were to meet at a duel with Hamilton officiating in Philadelphia on December 24, 1778. Of course, this event would haunt Hamilton years later and considered one of the most historic events in American history on July 11, 1804, the duel against Aaron Burr and one that resulted a day after to his fatal demise. In addition to this part of history, once again, Cobbs alternates with other affairs that Hamilton become consumed with such as the one with client James Reynold’s wife Maria that unfortunately has serious consequences in terms of his marriage and relationship with Eliza and the family.

The book is a tour de force through history and the life of Alexander and Eliza Hamilton. It is enticing and encouraging when understanding this part of history and within a format that is retold with a few bends and twists for enjoyable reading. But Elizabeth Cobbs stays true to the history of a man who now has been re-introduced to a generation that may not have studied or heard of him before.

I was not very familiar with the story of Hamilton. It was so interesting to discover his story. I also enjoyed learning about his wife. Reading of all the political shenanigans that occurred during the time of the founding of the nation was very profound. How little things have changed, and how easy it is for those in political power to behave with very little regard for the honor of their rivals. look at all of the disrespectful names that Trump uses in a regular basis. This book will have me thinking for quite awhile. Great read.

The Hamilton Affair begins as two parallel stories—that of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler—that join in their marriage. The book begins with the 11 year old Alexander living with his mother in St. Croix. Much of the story is devoted to his military and public service. Although a fiction, Cobb wisely builds the story around historical fact. She deftly handles Hamilton’s affair with Maria Reynolds and the great harm that individual failing caused. Cobb’s Hamilton is very human indeed. I must admit that I was taken aback by the description of their wedding night; picturing Hamilton slide his tongue between his bride’s toes was hard for me to take (even if I imagined a Hamilton like Lin-Manuel Miranda). The book is beautifully written, well-paced, and an excellent way to learn about this brilliant American patriot.

Life of Alexander Hamilton and his marriage to Elizabeth Schuyler.

I very enjoyed learning about the history of the Hamiltons. Some of the battle descriptions dragged on a bit too long in my opinion, but overall, it was worth it to find out more about Hamilton, who helped set up America's government and money system, and his inspiring wife, Eliza, who volunteered tirelessly at a privately funded home for orphans in NYC. Very enjoyable read, and I will be recommending this one to friends!

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

I really did like this engrossing, timely novel about Alexander Hamilton. For someone who must claim embarrassing ignorance on the subject it was enlightening. I would not say that THE HAMILTON AFFAIR is the be all -end all of biographies of the man, but i WOULD say it left me a bit more educated for sure.
Political as well as personal Cobbs holds the readers interest with her research and imagination. Two of my all-time favorite authors are Michener and Uris, because you learn as you read without really being aware of it. Tho not at the same level of those two, this book brought both authors to mind.
" ....brave soldier, firm friend...without him we would have no Constitution, no economy, no government.

With the musical "Hamilton" the hottest ticket on Broadway, the timing was right for a big book on Alexander Hamilton -- a novel this time instead of a biography. This book covers Hamilton's life from his childhood on the Caribbean island of St. Croix to his untimely death in his 40s in a duel with archrival Aaron Burr. Much of the novel focuses on his relationship with Elizabeth Schuyler, the woman he eventually married.

Hamilton always seemed to be outrunning his past as the illegitimate child of the younger son of a Scottish laird. He and his older brother and their mother were treated shamefully by the small, closed society on St. Croix. When an aunt pays for Hamilton's passage to New York, he is determined to make his fortune by attending college and becoming a physician -- and putting his past behind him.

The American Revolution intervenes, and Hamilton soon finds himself in charge of troops defending Manhattan and other nearby areas. Major characters from the time -- Washington, General Gage and others -- play a part in the story and are depicted realistically.

The war ends about halfway through the book, and Alexander and Elizabeth, now married, navigate the tricky shoals of politics and leadership in the capital at Philadelphia. Alexander's fiery temperament isn't as suited to peacetime as it was to war. His battles with James Madison and Thomas Jefferson over Treasury matters cause him grief, and he and Elizabeth struggle financially as their family continues to grow. His infidelity breaks her heart.

I'm not a huge fan of novels about historical characters, but it's obvious that author Elizabeth Cobbs did quite a bit of research for this book. It's an enjoyable read, and even Hamilton's tragic end doesn't spell the end for his family's fortunes. This is a well-written book that brings major characters from the Revolutionary period to life.

The fascinating political machinations of our First Government under President Washington, his First Secretaries, and other Statesmen; was NOT so different than what goes on our Government today! That'sounds what I found to be the most interesting aspect of the history found in this very well researched book. Cobbs definitely understands American history. Alexander Hamilton was our first Secretary of State, and he was able to establish America's First National Bank with President Washington's support. This novel also encompasses the love story and marriage of Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. I thought I understood who Alexander Hamilton was; but I did not! He was a driven and brilliant, but, flawed man, statesman, and patriot. I absolutely recommend this intelligent and beautifully written historical novel.

Ron Chernow's biography Alexander Hamilton may be one of the best on his life but not being a novel it is not for everyone I suppose. Also, there is room for imagination in filling in what is known about Alexander and his family and friends - and enemies. This novel by Elizabeth Cobbs adroitly fills in some of those gaps with an imagination based on a great grasp of the history available. This makes his biography much more story like than can be done otherwise. It also includes a dose of empathy that can only come by putting oneself in the shoes of the family members and assuming our common humanity tells us the truth.

‘The Hamilton Affair’ delves into the life of Alexander Hamilton as a husband, very much in love with his wife and a good father. He does make the mistake of having an affair which leads to the inevitable problems in his life.
There is a lot of leaping back and forth in chapters. At one point we go from January 1768 to June 1770 then back to February 1768 and then November 1769 and on to July 1770.

The book itself is much better and engrossing than one might expect. It does show a side of Hamilton that is not normally written about, even including some of his childhood. The author certainly emphasizes Hamilton’s talents as a solder and the treasures of the new American government.
It is a book that those who enjoy history and even family life will enjoy.

This story covers the life of Alexander Hamilton and his part in the revolutionary war. Some of his wife Elizabeth Schuyler's life and then their life together. Except for a few exceptions it covers the real people around the Hamilton family and many of the historical happenings of the time. Alexander Hamilton was a person who tried to be trust worthy and truthful. His one time of weakness had an effect on his political as well as his personal life. The story flows so well and very descriptive.

I have always enjoyed good historical fiction. Even in high school I enjoyed reading books by Leon Uris and James Michener. Just like Michener and Uris, author Elizabeth Cobbs writes an engaging and vivid portrait of Alexander Hamilton, a self-made man with a second chance in life when he left the island of St Croix after his mother's death to head to New York City. He never would have become the soldier and statesman had he stayed in St Croix.

This book covers his early life, from right before his mother's death to his own death in 1804. His time as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, to his years as a fiery statesman are well covered. His life overlapped other characters in this book, and shows the attitude of the times. Politicians were quick to shame rivals and would say, write and do whatever they could to win an argument. Thomas Jefferson, one of Hamilton's arch rivals, would write slanderous articles about him using a pen name. Hamilton lived in an era in which Virginians argued with New Yorkers over how the new US government should be created.

Hamilton was charming but also a man quick to anger. And he did engage in a few dubious things, such as maintaining an affair with a married woman and paying off her husband to keep quiet about it. He had his share of enemies among Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe (a man with his own controversies when he was Virginia Senator) and of course Aaron Burr, the man who shot and killed him in a duel. He is portrayed as very temperamental with an obsession for beautiful women, which was in the end his demise, but he also had compassion for African slaves and children, two things that history books don't mention much about him.

Hamilton loved his children and his wife. The dialogues between Hamilton and his devoted wife Eliza show a lot of his feelings toward other men in Congress. He called James Madison "Jemmy" and had a love-hate relationship with Madison and the others he served with. His dialogues with his children show a more loving side. Eliza outlived him by 50 years, and it's her personality in this book that give Hamilton a more loving image. Their marriage in many ways mirrors the marriage George Custer had with his wife Lilly Custer, who also outlived her husband by many years.

I did not see the musical "Hamilton" and won't, as I can't stand them. I barely survived "Chicago!" so many years ago under the hype. I read this book simply because I enjoy good historical fiction. Cobbs did her research and created a very readable book about such a controversial man.

I have always loved History so jumped at the chance to read "The Hamilton Affair" which is a love story about Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler though areas are fictionalized (of course). I don't usually read love stories but made an exception for this one (considering the main characters) and am glad I did.

I haven't yet seen the musical, and this novel based on Alexander Hamilton and his wife Eliza was the first I've read about them. The book seems well researched and well written, but it is a novel, so it takes a few liberties. The novel starts with Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler as children and ends when Eliza is in her nineties. I thought the book was interesting and easy to read (though there was a lot of vocabulary one does not often see in easy fiction) and people who are really interested in their story without requiring a completely non-fiction account of it will most likely enjoy this very much. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that I thought the characters were a little one dimensional - this novel did not describe a complicated marriage - just a very simple love story that survives a public affair.

The Hamilton Affair by Elizabeth Cobb tells about the rise of Alexander Hamilton from the roots of poverty to national acclaim. The book also tells about the relationships with his wife and mistress.

While there is nothing wrong with this book, the writing is workman-like, there is nothing that really grabbed my attention either.

Recommend with caveats given.

Review written after downloading a free galley from Edelweiss.

Elizabeth Cobbs certainly has a lot luck. She has written a book about Alexander Hamilton and it happens to coincide with the Hamilton fever that is currently sweeping around the world. Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical has definitely renewed interest in the time of the founding of our nation. So this is a great time for a fictional book to come out about Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler's lives. (By the way-Elizabeth Cobbs has said on Goodreads that she has worked on this book for four years, so this isn't an attempt to make a quick buck on the Hamilton craze).

You can tell that the author did her homework in writing this book. Fans of the musical and/or Ron Chernow's biography should enjoy this book. Eliza is given a more equal footing here than in the musical. All the main points of Alexander's life is hit here. There is romance, drama, action, and pretty much all we've come to know about Alexander's life. I enjoyed reading the book and I though Elizabeth did a great job in keeping the book historical yet not boring.

I would definitely recommend this book to: historical fans and fans of the Hamilton musical

"The Hamilton Affair" is an account with lots of fictional flourishes of the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of our country. The author, Elizabeth Cobbs, includes a great deal of information about Hamilton's life while adding many fictional details to move the story along. Hamilton's life was quite an adventure just on its own. The timing of this book could not have been better what with the opening of the hit musical "Hamilton" and its incredible success on Broadway.

The author has followed the life of Hamilton, from his birth on Nevis, British West Indies to a single mother through his very exciting life as an American revolutionary war hero ending in his tragic death in a infamous duel with Aaron Burr. It follows his early life and education to his meeting of Elizabeth Schuyler who became his wife. Cobbs writes of Hamilton's as one of the nation's most interesting of the founding fathers.

This book is well worth reading. It is both informative and entertaining. I recommend it.

I found the writing style of the author easy to follow. I have recently read a similar novel, My Dear Hamilton. In comparison, this book was shorter or at least felt faster but also lacked some of the details that the other novel included.

This is brilliant historical fiction. Ms. Cobbs has honed her skills considerably since "Broken Promises." We learn so much about not only Alexander Hamilton but his courageous wife and all the others whose lives intertwined with his during the formative years of our young nation.
--Roger L. Conlee, author of "The Hindenburg Letter," "Fog and Darkness," and other historical novels.

I received this ARC from netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

This book is a fictionalized story about the real relationship between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. The couple's story is interesting enough, but I got bogged down as the flow of the story became less 'fictional' and more chronological.

History may not be my forte but it's hard not to be generally familiar with these characters, which is what made me even grab a copy (Hamilton is apparently all the rage now too. Maybe it'll bring back "froufy" collars and split-tail coats too? Hopefully!) Taking something I already know a little about and having it expanded into a thoughtful novel format with interesting characters and extra historical details really breathes new life into a time period that can sometimes be a little mundane to learn about (however "revolutionary" that time was.)

*Received a copy from the publisher in a free local giveaway*

I have just finished another book about Hamilton. These two books were different so it was hard to read at times. Although they are both very good reads. I certainly enjoyed this books and recommend it highly

Enjoyed this book very factual for the most part and where the author took liberties she explained why. It gives you an understanding of how close we were to not winning our freedom from the Great Britain . A very difficult era to have lived in.

As a rule I enjoy historical fiction and I read for enjoyment. The Hamilton Affair didn't disappoint. It portrays Alexander Hamilton in a very human way. He is strong, yet vulnerable, and like all humans he is flawed at times. I enjoyed the story and I would recommend it.

Everyone should find a book about the fascinating life of Alexander Hamilton and read it to keep up with current discussions about him. Why the newfound interest? Chernow's epic book "Alexander Hamilton" started it all--brilliantly--which led to the hit Broadway musical which will soon be touring the nation. Turns out the life of Alexander Hamilton was both historically significant and was as interesting as most compelling novels. For avid readers, go directly to Chernow's book because it is surprisingly readable for a book that imparts so many facts. It tells the complete story. But if you want the quicker "Cliff Notes" version, this book does a good job of providing the highlights in a much shorter book. It's an easy read and will give you the gist of it all, or will refresh your memory a few months after reading the longer book. Some of the content is conjecture to fill in the storyline, but the important parts are based on the facts.

Great work of historical fiction. For those lacking the stamina to read Hamilton’s biography this is a worthy substitute. While the book is fiction there were many facts as well which gave the reader chance to reflect on the events that formed our country. At times the material required concentration to follow but overall I found it an enjoyable read. Be sure to read the author’s note as well.

This was a very one-dimensional novel. The numerous historical characters were flat, and there was no need to add more characters (an Indian, a slave) to the mix. A lot of the phrases in the novel sounded similar to the musical lyrics. (Eliza talking about burning, and mentioning Alexander slept in the office.) To be fair, all might have a historical basis though.
There were jumps in time that were hard to follow. (a childbirth scene, then that baby next described as a child?)

I read the book and then read it again right away. The story of their romance would be completely unbelievable if it weren't true. The second half book about their marriage and life after the war showed what a strong woman Eliza Hamilton was.I especially liked the chapters about her. She was a pretty incredible woman and it's so good to see her get the recognition for it.

It just seems that the writer is trying to cash in on the popularity of “Hamilton.” Not that good. The title suggests its about the affair between Alexander and Maria Reynolds, but it is not. Also the writing is disjointed and the timeline jumps around a bit - for example, in one chapter we see Alexander longing for promotion, and suddenly in the very next chapter his rank is higher. There is no explanation as to when or how he received the promotion. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

Very simplistic view of Hamilton and his marriage. Not very true to history. Not well written, not believable. I would not recommend. Did not cover Reynold’ s affair very well. Brought no new light on the affair. Glossed over Hamilton’s deficiencies. Very disappointing.

I found The Hamilton Affair to be somewhat meh. I'm just not a big fan of alternating chapters with different narrators. It makes it hard for me to connect to any one character. The Hamilton Affair was no exception for me. In fact, I found myself not very engaged with it at all. However, one thing that I did like about this book was that it didn't solely focus on the romance between Alexander and Eliza. However, some of the detail that was included wasn't all that interesting to me.

I tried and tried and simply couldn't get into this one. The heroine was interesting but the hero didn't do much for me and the problem with that is the POV goes back and forth between them. In the end, these two particular people were not interesting enough to me to care about their romance. I should have passed on this one.