Questions About I, Eliza Hamilton

by Susan Holloway Scott (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (9)

Yesterday I was gifted an Advanced Copy of this book by my aunt, because of what a huge Hamilton fan I am. Now I can't put this book down, it's so good. I feel like I'm watching a really amazing movie. It's like I'm there with Eliza and Alexander. How did you find out so much about those times? Especially all their clothes?

Susan Scott Hi, Gwinny ~ I'm so glad you're enjoying Eliza's story! The 18th century - particularly 18th century America - has been a favorite era for me for as l…moreHi, Gwinny ~ I'm so glad you're enjoying Eliza's story! The 18th century - particularly 18th century America - has been a favorite era for me for as long as I can remember, and I've written many other historical novels in addition to I, ELIZA HAMILTON that have been set in that time. I've read and researched so much about the 1700s that some day I almost feel as if I've lived there myself. :)

I've been fortunate to be able to do "hands-on" research in places like Colonial Williamsburg, and I've volunteered in historic sites, too. I've worn the same kind of stays (corset) that Eliza would have worn, I've cooked on an open hearth, I've felt first-hand the bumpiness of an 18thc carriage, and I've experienced exactly how cold a room can be in the winter even with a large fire blazing in the fireplace.

In addition, I visited all the surviving places that would have been familiar to Eliza and Alexander (the perks of having always lived in the NY-NJ-PA area), as well as the libraries, battlefields, historical societies, and museums that keep their letters and belongings. So not only have I read many of Alexander's letters and writings first-hand (oh, his beautiful penmanship!) but also held Eliza's wedding ring in my hand.

It's all part of the fun - and the magic - of writing a book like this, and I'm delighted that you're enjoying it, too. And please check out my website blog (I can't post the direct link here on Goodreads, but it's susanhollowayscot-dot-com-slash-blog) for behind-the-book photos and stories about my research. ~ Susan(less)

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Is this book more fan fiction inspired by the Broadway musical?

Susan Scott Hi, Olivia ~ Thanks for your question! "I, Eliza Hamilton" isn't fan fiction, and it wasn't inspired by the musical (which I still haven't seen, thoug…moreHi, Olivia ~ Thanks for your question! "I, Eliza Hamilton" isn't fan fiction, and it wasn't inspired by the musical (which I still haven't seen, though I'd really, really like to.) But there's no doubt that Lin-Manuel Miranda's amazing work made my book possible, because thanks to him, readers are once again eager to rediscover the fascinating people who lived in 18thc America.

I grew up in the NYC area, where Alexander Hamilton has always been something of a hero. But it was his wife Eliza who interested me more, and I loved being able to tell her side of the Hamilton story. Yes, my book is fiction, but I relied on primary sources - letters, journals, and contemporary accounts - to bring Eliza, Alexander, and their world to life. (Eliza herself didn't make it easy by destroying - or having one of her sons destroy - nearly all of her own letters.) "I, Eliza Hamilton" is not only her story, but the story of her marriage to Alexander, who must have been a wonderfully easy man to love, but also a challenging man to be married to. I hope you'll enjoy it!(less)

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Did anyone else find this, no offence, but kinda dull through the middle?

Judy Schneider One of the most boring books I have ever read! Soooo repetitious.

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What happens at the end of this book?

Bethany Esler The book ends with Alexander's death, then finishes with an epilogue of what Eliza accomplished leading up to her death. …moreThe book ends with Alexander's death, then finishes with an epilogue of what Eliza accomplished leading up to her death. (less)

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Hi, My 6th grade daughter would like to read this book. I wanted to know if there is anything inappropriate in the book. Could you let me know? Thank you.

Diana There is talk of adultery and sex, but uses veiled 1700s language so she may not understand what they are talking about.

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