Like many of you, as soon as Hamilton, The Musical, was available online, we signed up to see it. My husband and I have watched it numerous time since then. Powerful, full of energy and starring an amazing and diverse cast, it was a reminder of all the potential that is available if only there is freedom and opportunity to let it flow freely. 

What I realized after watching it, however, was that were so many pieces of Revolutionary American history that I did not know, so I was happy to find, The Hamilton Affair by Elizabeth Cobbs to help fill in the gaps. Although this is a novel, Cobbs, a well respected historian and professor of history approaches the lives of Alexander Hamilton and his wife Elizabeth from the perspective of a historian and backs it up with meticulous research of the revolutionary time period.

They were an unlikely couple. Elizabeth was the daughter of the wealthy respectable Schuyler clan. Beautiful and adventurous, she had strong beliefs in the rights of women and was against slavery. Alexander, on the other hand was a bastard and an orphan with no money and no prospects until he met George Washington, who saw something in him and took him under his wing. Unable to suffer fools silently, Alexander’s lack of tact created many enemies making him one of the most controversial figures of the time.  

I found Cobbs’ exploration of Alexander and Elizabeth’s relationship quite interesting, adding a deeper layer of understanding to what each found in each other. Undoubtedly their marriage was one of the most severely tested marriages of the time or since. Infidelity that is publicly acknowledged, and the terrible death of their son while dueling are just the highlights, but there was also financial insecurity, Alexander’s workaholism as well as life threatening illnesses that all caused stress on their relationship. 

Cobbs helps us see things from Elizabeth’s perspective; to understand her pain, her ability to keep her dignity in the face of scandal and her almost incomprehensible willingness to forgive Alexander. This is a love story, but it is not a fairy tale. Cobbs gives us a real look at two very different people who loved each other as best they could and were able to survive and still find the ability to love in the face of almost insurmountable pain.  

Brenda’s Rating: ***** (5 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Marian. Lauren, Sharon, Keith and Ken

Book Study Worthy? Yes!

Read in ebook format.