Alex and Eliza, A Love Story

March 13, 2017
Obsessed Hamilfans, be warned: this novelization of the romance between Elizabeth Schuyler, second daughter of a prominent colonial family, and Alexander Hamilton, Washington’s handsome aide-de-camp, may confuse or confound those who have committed to heart the Broadway musical’s cast recording. The story is told mostly from Eliza’s perspective, but since little is known about the courtship of this early American power couple, de la Cruz (Something in Between) has altered the historical record and added wholesale fabrications. Henry Livingston, a real-life figure, is portrayed as Schuyler’s first fiancée, a would-be rapist thwarted in the nick of time by the lovesick Hamilton. Hamilton is given credit for uncovering Benedict Arnold’s treason (while killing three musket-brandishing bandits on the road to Albany). Anachronistic phrases, including a few allusions to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lyrics, strike discordant notes. In an afterword, de la Cruz writes that she was inspired to learn more about the Hamiltons’ love story after seeing the musical, but readers who know the story well may not appreciate her “fictional embellishment.” Ages 12–up. Agent: Richard Abate, 3 Arts Entertainment.

The unlikely romance between America's first treasury secretary and a young woman from a socially connected family receives fictionalized treatment that speculates on unknown details, ending on their wedding night. Alexander Hamilton is a young aide to Gen. George Washington when he has his first, unsuccessful encounter with Elizabeth Schuyler at her family home in Albany, New York, setting up romantic tension for subsequent meetings at the home of Eliza's aunt and uncle in Morristown, New Jersey. The bright, ambitious, but penniless Hamilton is drawn to practical Eliza, falling deeply in love, at one point becoming so addled he forgets a military password. In de la Cruz's version of events, Eliza's parents want to marry her off to a wealthy son of one of their connections, forcing Alexander to prove his character superior to that of his rival. This is a mixture of what is known about this period in Hamilton's life and what might make a good story. The language is as modern as the musical that probably inspired it but not nearly as lively. Other personalities made familiar by the musical, such as John Laurens and the Marquis de Lafayette, make passing appearances. Amid the romantic fervor readers get glimpses of the civic-minded woman the historical Eliza became and the insecurities about his origins that plagued the real Alexander Hamilton. A pleasant diversion for younger teen readers who cannot get enough of all things Hamilton. (Historical fiction. 12-16) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

May 1, 2017

Gr 7 Up-With the popularity of the musical Hamilton still going strong, de la Cruz has struck while the iron is hot and shone a light on the extraordinary wife of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, Eliza Schuyler. The writings about Eliza are sparse, but the author puts that limited knowledge to good use and imbues her fictional version with a strong-willed and charming personality that will instantly have readers cheering for her. Though the research involved here is evident, the historical accuracy still ends up being a bit shaky. By focusing only on the initial courtship between Eliza and Alexander, de la Cruz turns Hamilton into something of a dashing white knight but never acknowledges the interest that existed between him and Eliza's sister Angelica-in fact, Angelica acts quite coldly toward him. This depiction is only enforced during an imagined arranged engagement between Eliza and another real-life figure named Henry Livingston that results in him drunkenly trying to take advantage of her the night before the wedding. This relationship never existed, and adding an attempted assault just so that Alexander can swoop in and save the day feels not only cliched but irresponsible. The seeds of potential are peppered throughout the story, but they unfortunately become too overshadowed by unnecessary characterizations. VERDICT Fans of the musical will be excited to see this novel, even though it plays fast and loose with the facts. Purchase only where Hamilton frenzy is still strong.-Kate DiGirolomo, Library Journal

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