Hamilton and Peggy!: A Revolutionary Friendship

by L.M. Elliott

A Recommended Reading Title by Ken Burns’ The American Revolution Resource Center

The colonies are in the throes of the Revolutionary War and caught in the midst of spies, traitors, Loyalists and Patriots, is the charming, quick-witted Peggy Schuyler—youngest of the famed Schuyler sisters and daughter of General Philip Schuyler. Her eldest sister Angelica, the “thief of hearts,” is known for her passion and intelligence, while kind, sweet Eliza has a beauty so great, it only outshone by her enormous heart. Though often in the shadows of her beloved sisters, Peggy is talented in her own right—fluent in French, artistically talented, and brave beyond compare.

When a flirtatious aide-de-camp to General Washington named Alexander Hamilton writes an eloquent letter to Peggy asking for her help in wooing the earnest Eliza, Peggy is skeptical but finds herself unable to deny such an impassioned plea. Thus begins her own journey into the Revolution!

Inspired by the cultural phenomenon of the Broadway musical, “Hamilton.”

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Fiction, Romance, American Revolution, American History

429 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2018

About the author

L. M. Elliott was an award-winning magazine journalist for 20 years before becoming a New York Times bestselling author of historical and biographical novels. Three-time finalist for the National Magazine Award and winner of multiple Dateline Awards, Elliott focused primarily on women's issues. Her groundbreaking profile of a domestic violence survivor, wife of a high-level federal government appointee, was one of the first to discuss "white-collar" violence against women and the psychological/emotional control intrinsic to the abuse. Elliott’s extensive reporting experience on such topics informed and enriched the themes and characters of TRUTH, LIES, AND THE QUESTIONS IN BETWEEN. It is her third docudrama-novel exploring a fraught political era and the dangers of disinformation, unchecked power, hate-rhetoric, and censorship.

Her 14 novels cover a variety of era--–the Cold War, WWII, the Great Depression, American Revolution, and the Italian Renaissance–--and are for a variety of readerships, ages middle grade to adult. Her works have been honored with the Scott O'Dell, VLA Cardinal Cup, and Grateful American prizes for historical fiction; been named NCSS/CBC Notables, Bank Street College of Education Bests, Kirkus Bests, Capitol Choices, and to the TXLA Tayshas HS Reading Lists; as well as named finalists for state awards in VA, MD, PA, UT, ME, VT, KS, IA, and SC.

She holds a BA from Wake Forest University and a MA in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Reviews

[Hailey (Hailey in Bookland) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

This wasn’t what I expected so I’m really torn on my rating. It was very well researched and very descriptive in terms of the historical aspect, but I was let down by the Peggy and Hamilton storyline, or lack there of. It was very slow and dull, quite frankly. If you want to learn about the revolution this will be helpful, but it just didn’t deliver in terms of plot beyond that. I guess I just had higher hopes, unfortunately.

*I received an ARC from Fierce Reads but that in no way influences my opinion. All thoughts are my own.*

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read for historical buffs, fans of Hamilton, and anyone who loves a collection of terrific characters. Peggy is smart and brave--a kick-butt heroine in the style of Jo March or Lizzie Bennett. The cast of characters is rounded out by the people you would expect--Eliza and Angelica Schuyler, Hamilton, George Washington, Lafayette. But there are also hilarious cameos from characters largely forgotten by history. The splashes of romance will tug at your heartstrings, but the main focus of the story is on the incredible bond and sisterhood between Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy. A smart, fun, well-researched must-read!

[Stephanie Anze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Margarita "Peggy" Schuyler is the third of the "three graces": Angelica (the passionate and intelligent sister), Eliza (the kind and sweet sister) and Peggy. She is always "and Peggy", finding herself in the shadows of her older sisters. That is until Alexander Hamilton writes her a letter, asking her to help him win over her sister Eliza. Peggy grows fond of Alexander and, in time, the two become good friends. Amid a revolution and a budding friendship with Alexander, Peggy grows into a formidable grace of her own.

Recently I read 'My Dear Hamilton' and being unable to get that book out of my mind, decided to pick another that also dealt with the Schuyler family (a risky move, I know). This work deals with the youngest of the three sisters, Peggy. Peggy finds herself alone after Angelica elopes and Eliza leaves to join her uncle in George Washington's base camp. Peggy helps her mother with her younger siblings but feels left out and frusrated that she can not help more with the war effort. When Alexander's letter arrives, she finds that this is an opportunity to do more. While this book does not quite compare to Stephanie Dray's 'Hamilton', it does have its own merits. The focus is Peggy and the role she played during the American Revolution. I did find that there was very liitle regarding the actual friendship between her and Alexander. The prose, however, does paint an amicable and close relationship between these two as Alexander courts and marries Eliza. While I did not learn much more historically, I did enjoy that the focus was Peggy and her contributions.

Peggy was not merely the "third grace". She had a "wicked wit", was "high-spirited", generous, kind and reportedly, was one that could hold the interest of the entire dinner table. Legend has is that she saved her newborn sister Catharine when a group Tories and Native Americans (siding with the Loyalists) invaded the Schuyler mansion. Intending on taking Philip Schuyler as prisioner of war, the family hid upstairs but left baby Catharine on the first floor. Peggy runned back for her but was threatened by the mob. When asked where Shuyler was (he was upstairs) she said that he had "gone to alert the town". Fearing capture, the mob fled. Peggy married Stephen Van Rensselaer (a distant cousin) when he was 19 and she almost 25. Theirs was a good marriage but unfortunately Peggy died young. Hamilton was by her side when she died. Thankfully theirs was a purely platonic relationship (Angelica is rumored to have had an affair with Alexander). So its Angelica, Eliza AND Peggy.

[Michaela Kahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to start - this book was everything I wanted! As a Musical Theatre nut and a Hamilton fan, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and I'M SO GLAD I DID. L.M. Elliott's novel is filled with beautiful scenic description that was so crystal clear, I could basically see my breath as if I were there in the cold winter opening with Peggy and the entire Schuyler crew! The story of this intelligent, spunky, strong-willed young woman was handled stunningly, as we get to grow with Peggy and watch her work through her own family drama, inner frustration, triumph and adventure! I especially loved reading the more detailed back story of the Schuyler sisters and was so pleased to read about characters I felt I already knew. The relationships felt so familiar and real, I often found myself wanting to give Peggy advice - feeling like I've been in her shoes in a small way.

I was also impressed by Elliott's historical accuracy and the detailed elements of the war, politics and conditions that served as the hefty backdrop to our protagonist's story. She wove all of these elements so naturally into this fast paced and elaborate novel. It was so effortless, and the insider look I felt I was given was enough to keep me furiously flipping pages. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves history, fantastic detailed storytelling, tales of adventure, love, betrayal and a little bit of luck!

Please write a sequel!!

[sally!! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished! Peggy is adorable.

***

AAAANNNDDDDDD
PEEEGGGGGGGGYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[Vicky (What Vicky Read) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This took me just over a month to read. If that doesn’t say something, I don’t know what will.

I was expecting so much more from this one. I was under the impression that it would be mostly about Peggy Schulyer and her relationship with Alexander Hamilton. For the last 200 pages, it was. For the first 200, it was not. I was disappointed by this, and felt that the title was ever so slightly misleading.

I found this book to be fairly slow moving with little action. Yes, it is a fiction based on real life events so I understand that it must move at a reasonably realistic pace, but my god things could have been fast forwarded at times.

Peggy was a likeable character. You could see her struggles of seeing her older sisters marrying whilst Peggy was overlooked, but eventually she began to come out of her shell. The book was all about Peggy and the relationships she had with the older Schulyer sisters, her intellectual above others and her search for love.

I found this book to be way too slow paced and because of this, it really just didn’t keep my interest at all which explains why it’s taken me so long to read but I was determined to finish it!

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have no idea why the title of this book is Hamilton and Peggy! other than the fact that publishers wanted to ensure that it was linked to the musical. Almost nothing about a friendship, Revolutionary or otherwise, between Peggy and Hamilton occurs in this book. There is nothing more between them than between Peggy and any number of people that are dragged into this story.

On a positive note, the author clearly knows a lot about the Revolutionary War. This book doesn't so much have a plot as it has a series of people telling Peggy stories that they've either heard or experienced in an attempt to inform the reader of every historical fun fact related to the era. I love historical fun facts, but I also appreciate them fitting into the story. In an effort to dump all this information into the story, Peggy has awkward, unlikely conversations, she eavesdrops, and is actually given secret work to do by her father, General Schuyler.

The author has also read a lot of classic literature and wants the reader to know it. Peggy and Angelica share all their thoughts through clever quotes that poor, imbecilic Eliza is hopeless to understand because she's nothing but the nice sister. (Eliza is weirdly referred to as the middle sister and Peggy the youngest, although their many younger siblings are repeatedly mentioned.) We are also treated to long stretches written in French, which would bother me less if I wasn't listening to this on audio. One short excerpt of French would have been sufficient to impress me with Peggy and the author's great skill.

Then there is Peggy's astoundingly modern attitude. She can't believe her mother continues to have children, doesn't want to be bored by sewing for the soldiers, and wishes over and over again that she could be a part of the men's war. All of her thoughts are progressive, and she can't wait for her new country to catch up with her.

The end is simply the end. Not the end of the war. Not the end of Peggy's life. It's as if the author just got tired of writing.

I have enjoyed another of this author's books but cannot recommend this one.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.M. Elliott is known for her well-researched historical fiction and for taking fascinating women off the sidelines of history into the heart of it, and this book is no different!
Make no mistake, Peggy Schuyler is the star of the show in this story. The novel looks in on her relationship with her eldest sisters, Angelica and Eliza, and with her parents, and how those relationships were changed by the Revolution (and Hamilton's courtship of Eliza). Peggy was regarded in her time as intelligent and kind, and was perhaps a bit too adventuresome for the era's expectations of women. I found her engaging as a character, and was grateful to see her at the center of the narrative.
Those looking for Hamilton will find him here in small doses of appearance and larger doses of influence. But Elliott doesn't set her story with Hamilton once he appears. Instead she offers up an interpretative of how Hamilton, and the Revolution itself, changed the Schuyler sister's and especially Peggy's, lives. I appreciated this bit of script flipping - often historical narrative focuses on the well-known driving actors of an event, ignoring those providing support behind the scenes and those whose lives were changed indirectly. Focusing on Peggy instead of Hamilton offers fresh perspective on the man and the war.
If you want to read about a young woman with a bit of spring in her step who saw the Revolution as a chance for something more exciting than colonial domestic life, pick up Peggy and venture off history's beaten path.

[Lea]

DNF at 23%. I'm super sad to do this because I was genuinely excited for it but I just really don't think it could deliver. Sadly, while Peggy is the perspective we read from, she barely has her own storyline. It's so disappointing to go into a book, finally expecting a light to shine upon this character, and then still have her be the side character in her own book. Nothing of significance for her life has happened so far. It seems like she is just a bystander.
The same goes for her "friendship" with Hamilton. He doesn't even show up until we're a third in. I skimmed until around 50% to see how they would develop but really we mostly see Peggy's thoughts of him in regards to Eliza. There's no friendship here. Honestly, I gotta say it, this definitely feels like it's trying to exploit the Hamilton phenomenon. If you name your book HAMILTON AND PEGGY!: A REVOLUTIONARY FRIENDSHIP, I expect the book to actually focus on that element.
I'm disappointed big time. I wouldn't even have had such a problem with the friendship falling flat if Peggy had actually been a fleshed out character. That would have kept me reading, even thought I also found it incredibly boring. But there's really nothing engaging about this book, sadly.

[Mary-Therese P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great! It was really fun to see Peggy Schyler as her own person and not as 'and Peggy'

I thought it was going to be a lot more about Hamilton and Peggy's friendship. It was much more about just Peggy, although, she was awesome! I loved all the references to the classics and Shakespeare she makes.

I loved being able to get to see all the historical figures (Lafayette especially, he was delightful!).

And, of course, seeing the Schyler sister is always a plus, Angelica, Eliza and Peggy are my role models for loving, tight knit sisters, and I love it!

[lauren ♡ literallyilliterate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peggy had been an afterthought all her life. Meet the Schuyler sisters: the scintillating, enrapturing Angelica, the saintly sweet Eliza. Oh, and Peggy, their little sister.

The title and synopsis of Hamilton and Peggy! promote it as the story of Alexander Hamilton and Peggy Schuyler's friendship, but in actuality, it's more focused on Peggy trying to forge her own identity living in the shadow of two beloved older sisters in the midst of a revolutionary war.

This book is so well-researched. You can tell the author really took the time to be as historically accurate and factual as possible (she has a note at the back of the book and cites all her sources). While reading, I learned a lot about Peggy and the rest of the Schuyler family. The author did a great job at bringing these historical figures to life. The characters all had well-written personalities, aspirations, and insecurities. That said, I found the actual plot of the book to be lacking. I wasn't super invested in it, and found it to be pretty low-stakes overall. Because of this, Hamilton and Peggy! isn't my favorite book about Hamilton that I've read, but it is definitely the most well-researched, while still somewhat fictional.

age recommendation: 13+
content: mild swearing, mild violence/war, semi-detailed birth scene

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This just isn't my type of book. When reading about a real person, I want to read an actual biography or memoir. The author does seem to have done her homework though, and uses actual excerpts from letters throughout the book. Peggy does seem like an interesting person and I did enjoy moments, including the afterword, where the author explains her research. Obviously, the title is playing up the Hamilton name, but he's not in the book a lot. This is just about Peggy and Hamilton shows up once in a while.

2018 challenge: a novel based on a real person

[Jami · Rating 3 out of 5]

By the end of this book, I was really enjoying it! I’m not sure if it’s aptly named though. Hamilton is very much a side character; it’s mostly about Peggy, but I didn’t mind it! I’m not a history buff, so the war talk was not my jam, but I enjoyed Peggy as a character and her story. I would definitely recommend it to someone who’s more into history than I am!

[elizabeth roberts-zibbel · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part, I was surprised by my enjoyment of this book. I bought it with the intention of reading it to my 9 year old, who, as the Peggy to an Eliza (I could arguably be Angelica in this scenario), became obsessed with the youngest afterthought Schuyler sister. However, a lot of it would bore her to tears, I think, because of adult nuances in the narrative and long passages about the war.

I am skeptical about the many books on the scene seemingly along for the Lin-Manuel Hamilton ride, taking advantage of his genius and the unbelievable success of the musical. “Alex & Eliza” was fairly horrible. This story though plunged me completely into the Schuylers’ lives and the war, and into Peggy’s mind. I found the characterization detailed and realistic, and the research was clearly careful and thorough. Use of genuine letter excerpts added to the realism.

Negatives: the use of “about” to mean “nearly” three unfortunate times was so jarring that the first time, my jaw dropped. The rest of the writing style was so formal and tuned in to the revolutionary era that part of me wondered if that phrasing might have actually been used then. I questioned the age of the author (but she has grown children) and why the proofreaders / editors wouldn’t have asked for it to be changed. Maybe I am too picky. The phrases were “Eliza about swooned,” “Peggy about choked,” and “her heart about broke.” Am I crazy for finding this inexcusable?

The other negative was an abrupt ending with a long epilogue and afterword. I had been looking forward to Peggy’s take on the events to come, but the novel ends just prior to Yorktown with the emergency birth of Angelica’s third baby. I could have read a Chernow-length novel from this spunky, intelligent woman’s point of view. Because of my desire for more, I am with some trepidation picking up “My Dear Hamilton,” which was given to my older daughter for Christmas by my parents. My expectations are low.

[Renn · Rating 3 out of 5]

TWs: alcoholism, fatphobia, slavery

I almost gave this a two-star rating because:
1). The timeline is very difficult to follow.
2). The prose doesn’t feel natural with all of the historical details crammed in.

However, the complex relationships of the Schuyler sisters and Alexander make it a three-star for me. Seeing Alexander and Eliza’s relationship through Peggy’s eyes is very necessary. She can see very clearly that Alexander being in their lives brings the sisters together, but also tears them apart.

“‘Eliza!’ Peggy felt hot, defensive tears stinging her own face. ‘I only speak out of love for you. Your husband should never make you feel badly about yourself. You especially—you are so far beyond reproach.’
But Eliza only shook her head. ‘Take it back,’ she whispered.
Peggy stared at her sister. She saw their future and it broke her heart. The Schuyler sisters... would never be the same. There would be truths Peggy could not utter because they challenged Eliza’s perceptions of the man she loved and might drive a wedge between Peggy and her.
Peggy swallowed. ‘I take it back.’”

Overall, this is a very well researched book about the youngest in the Schuyler sisters trio. Reading it makes me indignant of her portrayal in the Hamilton musical. I’m glad a book exists to give justice to Peggy’s character and her contributions to the Revolution.

[Ella Zegarra]

and Peggy!

Me da vergüenza lo mucho que me he reído

[Heather McC · Rating 4 out of 5]

The oft-forgotten third Schuyler sister, relegated to living her life in her older sisters' shadows, Peggy takes the spotlight in Elliott's historical piece. Little sister Peggy proved to be the glue that kept her sisters together through sisterly rivalries, forbidden romances, and harrowing battles of the Revolutionary War. Peggy, possessing a quick wit of her own, eventually curved her own spot within the Schuyler circle. The research in the back of the book is well worth a look for the curious mind that is craving more historical context.

[Merel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn’t really my type of book, while I did enjoy some parts, I often wished I were reading parts of the war from a soldier’s point of view. Peggy mostly gives advice in the first chapters and while the title suggests it’s about Hamilton and Peggy’s friendship, Hamilton gets introduced like halfway through the book. Hamilton is also pretty much a side character and the book focuses way more on Peggy’s acts during the war and her relationship with her sisters. Now I do not mind this but I wish the friendship between her and Alexander was more present than only starting halfway through the book because he wants to court Eliza, it is the title after all.

[Adriana P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is now 4:25 am and I just finished this amazing novel. This is my first historical fiction ever, and honestly, I'll be catching up on L.M. Elliot books because I loved every single part of Peggy's journey. She is witty, she is fierce and courageous and everything I love for in a main character. Although I can't really say whether it's accurate in its depiction of all of the characters and historical events, I am led to believe the author did her fair share of investigation on the matter, and trust her good judgement. Over all Hamilton & Peggy is an amazing book I'm so glad I picked it up.

[aishiki nag · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 3.5 to be honest.
I read this book right after I finished listening through all of Hamilton; An American Musical. In the musical the roll of Peggy was the little sister and she didn’t do much. In this book it expanded on the her roll on the revolutionary war and explained how she was responsible for Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler’s marriage. Over all it was a nice read, but it could be boring in some parts.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about the third Schuyler sister. Thoroughly researched, the author does a great job of bringing to life a person forgotten by history. Be warned, the title is kind of misleading, Hamilton is barely in this book. It's all about Peggy (and Eliza and Angelica). A good read for Hamilton fans and students of history.

[Janna Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first checked this book out from the library, I was doubtful of my interest in the novel, and I was preparing myself for a book I would evidently give up on. With the very popular musical Hamilton, my first thoughts of the book were that it was going to be a sort of fan fiction. Plus, I had never had the interest to fully listen to or see the musical. But on the contrary of my beliefs, this novel was one of my favorites this summer.

The main character, Peggy Schuyler, should be an inspiration to the young women of our modern day society. She is the perfect example of a woman who is proud of the country she lives in, and she yet pushes the boundaries of tradition and normalities of women's place in society. She exemplifies that women can be very vital in the complicated game of war and society. With the novel constantly going in detail of the revolution, the reader can put herself into the shoes of Peggy, and feel how she might of felt in her situation.

In regards of being a great example for women, the bond of the Schuyler sisters was one that should be a constant reminder to us all that sisterhood and friendship can truly help us live our daily lives. Whether it be in sad, happy, hard, or easy, we need people who can guide, listen and help us in life.

The only real let down of this books is the misleading nature of the title and summery. The Summery suggests that Peggy and Hamilton would have an unbreakable friendship, and that it would be a vital prospect to the war. Although they did from a very close friendship as siblings would, it was not as prominent as the summery preludes. Peggy is in constant doubt of Hamilton's intentions with Eliza, even after they were married. Plus it never spent a lot of time on the two bonding, much rather them bantering and flirting. No personal connection. In regards to the title, the focus point of the story was the three Graces or the Schuyler sisters, not Hamilton and Peggy.

Other then then the misleading title and summery this novel was fun read and I definitely recommend to every girl and boy who want to learn of history and a culture that should be striven for; one of equality and respect.

[Danielle Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell y’all I was not prepared to fall in love with this book as much as I fell in love with this book! This is in my top reads for 2024! And I truly believe this is my favorite historical fiction book I’ve ever read! If you love history, if you love Hamilton, if you love Historical fiction and happy endings that just make you feel good when you finish the book, this is the book for you! I was on the edge of my seat at times, I was shocked in fear at times, I was crying with joy and sadness at times, this book was so gripping and so captivating! I highly highly highly recommend this book!!!!

[Fefyy Antela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peggy really did have the best of both of her sisters...

I really liked learning a little more about who she was but I did miss to find more of her "revolutionary friendship" with Alexander in the book. Also, the time period the author chose to portray in this book felt a bit off to me... Like the story started and finished in two very weird moments.

Apart from that, it was an enjoyable read...

I'm living my best Hamiltrash life and I don't even care 😂 *Work! Work!*

[sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

[2.0]

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the historical accuracy of this book. It was well researched and I loved the little details and kernels of truth among the creative license. I enjoyed Peggy’s personality and the look at the third Schuyler sister. My only complaint was it felt like it was slow moving and the fun stuff didn’t start until we’ll after page 200 or so.

[Alannah Alomar · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty good! Other then the fact that sheflirtswithhercousinsweethomealabama. IF you like hamilton and historicl fictonals with big words, this book is for you

[Jodi Bramucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by LM Elliott. I have enjoyed & recommended every book that she has written, and I've taught (or supported other teachers to do so) many of her books. As usual, research is impeccable, characters become your friends, and you just feel smarter about history after finishing!!

[Elizabeth Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Original review can be found at: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-r...

When I saw this book at a bookshop in the Upper Penisula I knew I had to read it. Hamilton and Peggy all in one book!? Sign me up! I have been interested in Hamilton since I listened to the soundtrack on a loop for days. Granted, I haven’t seen the play yet but it is on my bucket list! The other reason it drew me in was, while I have read books about the Civil War and WW 1-2, I have read very few books on the American Revolution.


The story starts in 1777 in Albany, New York. Peggy is playing cards with her sisters, Angelica and Eliza (ok admit it you sang that whole thing) and Mr. Carter, the man who was hired to investigate their father for misusing army funds. Peggy can see that Angelica and Mr. Carter are flirting with each other. Their father catches them kissing and bans Mr. Carter from the house. A little while later, Angelica enlists Peggy to help her leave the house in the middle of the night so she can elope with Mr. Carter against her parent’s wishes. Peggy longs for love. She is desperate for someone to love her. Peggy eventually receives a letter from Alexandar Hamilton asking her to talk him up to her sister Eliza. Peggy starts to spend more time with her father. She starts helping him in the everyday business of the American Revolution. From meeting secret spies to helping him open and reseal intercepted British mail. Peggy finds everything that she is doing worthwhile and exciting. She desperately wishes she could do more. Will Peggy succeed in talking up Hamilton to Eliza? (spoiler alert: she does) Will Peggy become more involved in the every day going on’s of the Revolution?


I desperately wanted to love this book. I had to force myself to read the last quarter of the book. While I loved the idea of the book the character of Peggy fell flat for me. She just seemed to be “poor me” all the time. Whether it is when she doesn’t find love as easily as her sister or feeling like she was over-relied on by her father to care for her mother when all she wanted to do was help him with the Revolution. I did love the exciting adventures that Peggy had. From meeting with spies to being a French translator and a Native American culture explainer for one of her friends. I really enjoyed the interaction between Peggy and Hamilton. The book was well researched and well written even if it didn’t resonate with me.

[Eden Gajewski (Church) | The Required Reading List · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Hamilton and Peggy!: A Revolutionary Friendship," L.M. Elliott illuminates the spaces that other stories of the Hamilton cohort leave dark.

It is a lively, extremely well-researched, impassioned portrayal of a young woman who lovers of all things Hamilton and plucky heroines ahead of their time will find rewarding. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Lovers of the Revolutionary War will gobble it up!

While this novel is perfect for existing Hamilton fans, I'm not sure I would recommend it to those not already familiar with the Revolutionary War or the stories depicted in Hamilton or other American Revolution-related texts. I found the beginning of the story to be a bit slow, and because of how detail-oriented it is (Elliott did a ton of research before writing-- you can even check out her pages long bibliography!), it might lose those not already interested in the topic.

I also worry that the novel has been misrepresented by its title. The focus, I feel, is not on Hamilton and Peggy's friendship, but instead on Peggy's experiences of the war that Miranda's "Hamilton" depicts, as well as her journey to selfhood. And it does this incredibly well. While Hamilton does make several appearances, and banter between the two characters is definitely highlighted later on in the novel, I was a bit confused when one of the titular characters did not even appear until a third of the way into the novel. While I understand that putting the word "Hamilton" into a title is a guaranteed way to attract fans of the phenomenon, this particular novel might've been better served if it fully embraced from the beginning what it does so well-- breathe life into the youngest of the Schuyler trio-- Peggy Schuyler-- a force to be reckoned with in her own right, while bringing her out of the shadow of her older sisters Angelica and Eliza.

Overall, I really enjoyed this original take on the Hamilton phenomenon, especially later on in the novel, and would definitely recommend it to those already fans of the Revolutionary War or "Hamilton." Let's face it, they are many.