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Dear George, Dear Mary: A Novel of George Washington's First Love
A novel about heiress Mary Philipse's relationship with George Washington, based on historical accounts, letters, and personal journals by nine-time New York Emmy award-winning journalist Mary Calvi.
"Love is said to be an involuntary passion, and it is, therefore, contended that it cannot be resisted." --George Washington
Did unrequited love help spark a flame that ignited a cause that became the American Revolution? Never before has this story about George Washington been told. Crafted from hundreds of letters, witness accounts, and journal entries, Dear George, Dear Mary explores George's relationship with his first love, New York heiress Mary Philipse, the richest belle in Colonial America.
From elegant eighteenth-century society to bloody battlefields, the novel creates breathtaking scenes and riveting characters. Dramatic portraits of the two main characters unveil a Washington on the precipice of greatness, using the very words he spoke and wrote, and his ravishing love, whose outward beauty and refinement disguise a complex inner struggle.
Dear George, Dear Mary reveals why George Washington had such bitter resentment toward the Brits, established nearly two decades before the American Revolution, and it unveils details of a deception long hidden from the world that led Mary Philipse to be named a traitor, condemned to death and left with nothing. While that may sound like the end, ultimately both Mary and George achieve what they always wanted.
"Love is said to be an involuntary passion, and it is, therefore, contended that it cannot be resisted." --George Washington
Did unrequited love help spark a flame that ignited a cause that became the American Revolution? Never before has this story about George Washington been told. Crafted from hundreds of letters, witness accounts, and journal entries, Dear George, Dear Mary explores George's relationship with his first love, New York heiress Mary Philipse, the richest belle in Colonial America.
From elegant eighteenth-century society to bloody battlefields, the novel creates breathtaking scenes and riveting characters. Dramatic portraits of the two main characters unveil a Washington on the precipice of greatness, using the very words he spoke and wrote, and his ravishing love, whose outward beauty and refinement disguise a complex inner struggle.
Dear George, Dear Mary reveals why George Washington had such bitter resentment toward the Brits, established nearly two decades before the American Revolution, and it unveils details of a deception long hidden from the world that led Mary Philipse to be named a traitor, condemned to death and left with nothing. While that may sound like the end, ultimately both Mary and George achieve what they always wanted.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 19, 2019
267 people are currently reading
4506 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calvi
2 books188 followersMARY CALVI is the host of Club Calvi. Readers choose what book we start next from a choice of three fabulous newly published novels. After we finish, the club celebrates with a big virtual book club meetup with the author. It's free. It's fun. And it's a great way to connect with other readers.
www.clubcalvi.com
Calvi is the author of two presidential novels, DEAR GEORGE, DEAR MARY: A Novel of George Washington's First Love, and IF A POEM COULD LIVE AND BREATHE: A Novel of Teddy Roosevelt's First Love. Both are historical fiction and are based on never-before-published research on the presidents.
www.clubcalvi.com
Calvi is the author of two presidential novels, DEAR GEORGE, DEAR MARY: A Novel of George Washington's First Love, and IF A POEM COULD LIVE AND BREATHE: A Novel of Teddy Roosevelt's First Love. Both are historical fiction and are based on never-before-published research on the presidents.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
February 12, 2019
I’m always a little hesitant to read biographical novels because it’s hard to separate the truth from the fiction, but I couldn’t resist this one because it just sounded so interesting. When I think of George Washington and his personal life it’s Martha who comes to mind. This book tells the story of a romance in Washington’s earlier life with Mary Philipse, a young NY heiress. The author assures the reader in her opening note that the novel is based on “thousands of letters, journal entries, publications, and other sources related to George Washington.” It appears to be well researched given what she tells us as well as the numerous sources listed. I thought I would be fascinated, but I just wasn’t. The language was too flowery for me. The addition of a quote at the beginning of each chapter from Washington, while interesting , felt added in, rather than part of the narrative. The suggested premise that this relationship may have been an impetus for the American Revolution was hard for me to buy. The bottom line is that this just wasn’t for me. I have no problem giving up on a book that isn’t working for me, but I kept reading because I really liked Mary’s character and wanted to see what would happen to her. There are many highly rated reviews and I suggest that fans of historical romance read these before taking just my word.
I received an advanced copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley.
February 15, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital galley in exchange for an honest review
A lot of research went into the writing of George Washington and his first love, Mary Eliza Philipse in the 1750's. Never having heard of the woman "before Martha ", I was quite intrigued. The author illustrates a young man on the rise in the army and the people that loved him and were jealous of him. Mary Eliza Philipse was the "belle of the North " and when she meets the dashing army officer it is a deep love. However a darkness surrounds Mary that may threaten their relationship. What really did stop them from marrying?
This was undoubtedly a very tough follow up to My Dear Hamilton, which I started reading at the same time. I made the decision to put this arc aside and read a variety of other books before returning to it again. Let me be frank, I just couldn't help the comparisons to those two books. I fell for Eliza and Alexander Hamilton and how they were presented by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. But George and Mary, I just never could bring myself there. Yet, I feel that Mary Calvi does her utmost best to give them back stories. However, the result of my own reading made me feel little empathy and a lot of uncertainty.
As I mentioned in my beginning paragraph, I stated there was a lot of research. There is, the end of the novel does list the various letters, papers, and books to help further our understanding of the relationship between these two people. Personally, I don't feel curious enough to pursue it any longer.
A lot of research went into the writing of George Washington and his first love, Mary Eliza Philipse in the 1750's. Never having heard of the woman "before Martha ", I was quite intrigued. The author illustrates a young man on the rise in the army and the people that loved him and were jealous of him. Mary Eliza Philipse was the "belle of the North " and when she meets the dashing army officer it is a deep love. However a darkness surrounds Mary that may threaten their relationship. What really did stop them from marrying?
This was undoubtedly a very tough follow up to My Dear Hamilton, which I started reading at the same time. I made the decision to put this arc aside and read a variety of other books before returning to it again. Let me be frank, I just couldn't help the comparisons to those two books. I fell for Eliza and Alexander Hamilton and how they were presented by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. But George and Mary, I just never could bring myself there. Yet, I feel that Mary Calvi does her utmost best to give them back stories. However, the result of my own reading made me feel little empathy and a lot of uncertainty.
As I mentioned in my beginning paragraph, I stated there was a lot of research. There is, the end of the novel does list the various letters, papers, and books to help further our understanding of the relationship between these two people. Personally, I don't feel curious enough to pursue it any longer.
March 28, 2019
A heartbreaking love story intertwined with George Washington’s military exploits
⭐️⭐️⭐️
SUMMARY
This ill-fated love story between New York heiress Mary Eliza Philipse with George Washington is based on historical accounts, letters, and personal journals. Twenty-four-year-old Washington has just been appointed Colonel of the Virginia Regiment and commander-in-chief of all forces of the colony. Mary is rich and ravishingly beautiful, but she is haunted by the loss of her parents, her sister, and a childhood friend. She finds each day at the manor house on the Hudson River, a struggle to survive. On Valentines Day, 1756, Mary’s family hosts a special evening of music and dancing for over two hundred friends. The purpose of the event was to introduce a reluctant Mary, also known as the Belle of the North to the handsome, brave and heroic Colonel Washington. By the end of this special evening the two had fallen in love.
“You are capable of the impossible, for you have survived the unthinkable.”
REVIEW
DEAR GEORGE, DEAR MARY is a heartbreaking love story, intertwined with Washington’s military exploits. This is one of those historical fiction novels that leaves you scratching your head. What is fact and what is fiction? Undoubtedly, Washington’s quotes, military deployments, and journal entries, are all factual. But what about George’s feelings about Mary, and the reference that couple’s unrequited love sparked a flame that ignited a cause that became the American Revolution. Seriously...
From the title I was totally expecting that the book would contain the content of the actual letters between, George and Mary. It did not. But it did a great job of giving us a look at pre-Revolutionary war society. It is evident that much research went into the book. One of the things I loved was how author MARY CALVI cleverly weaves many of George’s 110 rules of correct behavior into relevant scenes in the book.
Calvi’s writing is beautifully descriptive and I absolutely fell in love with Mary Philipse. Calvi is a nine time New York Emmy award-winning journalist. She is a television news anchor in New York City. This is her debut novel. Thanks to Netgalley, St Martin’s Press and Mary Calvi for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“I am a woman who knows a good fortune does not necessitate the yearning for a husband.”
Publisher St. Martins Press
Published February 19, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
⭐️⭐️⭐️
SUMMARY
This ill-fated love story between New York heiress Mary Eliza Philipse with George Washington is based on historical accounts, letters, and personal journals. Twenty-four-year-old Washington has just been appointed Colonel of the Virginia Regiment and commander-in-chief of all forces of the colony. Mary is rich and ravishingly beautiful, but she is haunted by the loss of her parents, her sister, and a childhood friend. She finds each day at the manor house on the Hudson River, a struggle to survive. On Valentines Day, 1756, Mary’s family hosts a special evening of music and dancing for over two hundred friends. The purpose of the event was to introduce a reluctant Mary, also known as the Belle of the North to the handsome, brave and heroic Colonel Washington. By the end of this special evening the two had fallen in love.
“You are capable of the impossible, for you have survived the unthinkable.”
REVIEW
DEAR GEORGE, DEAR MARY is a heartbreaking love story, intertwined with Washington’s military exploits. This is one of those historical fiction novels that leaves you scratching your head. What is fact and what is fiction? Undoubtedly, Washington’s quotes, military deployments, and journal entries, are all factual. But what about George’s feelings about Mary, and the reference that couple’s unrequited love sparked a flame that ignited a cause that became the American Revolution. Seriously...
From the title I was totally expecting that the book would contain the content of the actual letters between, George and Mary. It did not. But it did a great job of giving us a look at pre-Revolutionary war society. It is evident that much research went into the book. One of the things I loved was how author MARY CALVI cleverly weaves many of George’s 110 rules of correct behavior into relevant scenes in the book.
Calvi’s writing is beautifully descriptive and I absolutely fell in love with Mary Philipse. Calvi is a nine time New York Emmy award-winning journalist. She is a television news anchor in New York City. This is her debut novel. Thanks to Netgalley, St Martin’s Press and Mary Calvi for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“I am a woman who knows a good fortune does not necessitate the yearning for a husband.”
Publisher St. Martins Press
Published February 19, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
February 14, 2019
Tl;dr: An interesting premise that can't decide if it's fiction or nonfiction and the result is a dense almost story that fails to convince.
The idea behind Dear George, Dear Mary is a great one--what about George Washington's life prior to the Revolutionary War helped shape him?--and how did his romance with Mary Philipse play a role?
Mary Calvi definitely did her research, which is wonderful, but instead of using it to build a story, she just uses it--presents it--which would be fine in nonfiction but simply doesn't work for building a compelling story. I didn't care about George or Mary enough and didn't buy the bridge she was trying to sell regarding Mary and George and the beginnings of his place in the Revolutionary War.
Most importantly, I didn't believe in the romance despite of, or more accurately, because of, the use of the (yes, well-researched, but so dry!) chunks of documents (with an emphasis on military movements, etc.) that I think were meant to convince but left me feeling like I'd read about the idea of the romance instead of getting actual romance.
And I really wanted the ronance! Again, the idea of Dear George, Dear Mary is great. And after this book, I don't doubt that their relationship was real or meaningful I just didn't believe in it.
Would have been better as nonfiction.
The idea behind Dear George, Dear Mary is a great one--what about George Washington's life prior to the Revolutionary War helped shape him?--and how did his romance with Mary Philipse play a role?
Mary Calvi definitely did her research, which is wonderful, but instead of using it to build a story, she just uses it--presents it--which would be fine in nonfiction but simply doesn't work for building a compelling story. I didn't care about George or Mary enough and didn't buy the bridge she was trying to sell regarding Mary and George and the beginnings of his place in the Revolutionary War.
Most importantly, I didn't believe in the romance despite of, or more accurately, because of, the use of the (yes, well-researched, but so dry!) chunks of documents (with an emphasis on military movements, etc.) that I think were meant to convince but left me feeling like I'd read about the idea of the romance instead of getting actual romance.
And I really wanted the ronance! Again, the idea of Dear George, Dear Mary is great. And after this book, I don't doubt that their relationship was real or meaningful I just didn't believe in it.
Would have been better as nonfiction.
February 14, 2019
DEAR GEORGE, DEAR MARY is the story about George Washington's relationship with Mary Philipse. Mary Calvi has written a story based on hundreds of letters, witness accounts, and journal entries, reconstructing George Washington courting of New York heiress Mary Philipse.
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
September 18, 2019
1756, Yonkers-On-Hudson, NY
Mary Eliza Philipse is nervous about the upcoming ball at Philipse Manor. She is to celebrate her 21st birthday and 220 guests including the most celebrated colonel of the colonies, George Washington, are to be attending.
1753, Fredericksburg, Virginia
George Washington walks alone in wilderness in the early hours of the morning as he is to deliver a letter, he thinks “Tis better to be alone than in bad company.”
“As a boy, he had written down 110 rules that he had learned from a prominent book on correct behavior. George strove to incorporate each of them into his conduct. Anything he learned, he had to do on his own. Without a father in his home, 110 rules was, at least, a start.”
He is sent on a mission to deliver the governor’s letter to the fortress of the French and demand surrender. He doesn’t have military or diplomatic experience, or formal education. But he has “the resolve to become a man worthy of respect.”
Washington’s story begins 3 years earlier and runs parallel with Mary reading The Journal of Major George Washington of his events at the French fortress.
The beginning of the story is very engrossing, but once the ball happens, the progressive story becomes less and less progressive and more and more descriptive. And that’s not a style of writing I like. But of course it might be to someone else’s liking.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
Mary Eliza Philipse is nervous about the upcoming ball at Philipse Manor. She is to celebrate her 21st birthday and 220 guests including the most celebrated colonel of the colonies, George Washington, are to be attending.
1753, Fredericksburg, Virginia
George Washington walks alone in wilderness in the early hours of the morning as he is to deliver a letter, he thinks “Tis better to be alone than in bad company.”
“As a boy, he had written down 110 rules that he had learned from a prominent book on correct behavior. George strove to incorporate each of them into his conduct. Anything he learned, he had to do on his own. Without a father in his home, 110 rules was, at least, a start.”
He is sent on a mission to deliver the governor’s letter to the fortress of the French and demand surrender. He doesn’t have military or diplomatic experience, or formal education. But he has “the resolve to become a man worthy of respect.”
Washington’s story begins 3 years earlier and runs parallel with Mary reading The Journal of Major George Washington of his events at the French fortress.
The beginning of the story is very engrossing, but once the ball happens, the progressive story becomes less and less progressive and more and more descriptive. And that’s not a style of writing I like. But of course it might be to someone else’s liking.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
February 25, 2019
I found this story quite interesting in that it gave the reader a different picture of George Washington. His 150 rules of conduct were obviously something he tried very hard to live by, and they all appeared to be supported by either common sense or good morals.
It was obvious that Calvi's historical research for this book was plentiful, yet it was difficult to determine what was really fact and what was fiction. We always seem to look at Washington either from a military or presidential point of view, and this book did make him seem more human. It is easy to imagine him as a young man being swept away by a beautiful young lady who was at ease with him since his immediate family was all gone other than a sister in law. I would find it debatable though that he kept up a relationship with her after his marriage to Martha or that he joined the Patriots because he couldn't marry her. I feel he became very frustrated with his lack of progress when serving with the British forces and that, as well as the treatment of the new country by Britain, were his reasons behind his switch in loyalty. His treatment of Mary during the Battles was IMHO due to his previous relationship with her as well as his "150 rules of courtesy."
Generally an interesting read that I would recommend for a different perspective of our first president.
** I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
It was obvious that Calvi's historical research for this book was plentiful, yet it was difficult to determine what was really fact and what was fiction. We always seem to look at Washington either from a military or presidential point of view, and this book did make him seem more human. It is easy to imagine him as a young man being swept away by a beautiful young lady who was at ease with him since his immediate family was all gone other than a sister in law. I would find it debatable though that he kept up a relationship with her after his marriage to Martha or that he joined the Patriots because he couldn't marry her. I feel he became very frustrated with his lack of progress when serving with the British forces and that, as well as the treatment of the new country by Britain, were his reasons behind his switch in loyalty. His treatment of Mary during the Battles was IMHO due to his previous relationship with her as well as his "150 rules of courtesy."
Generally an interesting read that I would recommend for a different perspective of our first president.
** I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
April 1, 2019
A fascinating novel featuring George Washington's first love, New York heiress Mary Philipse, the richest belle in Colonial America.
Dear George, Dear Mary is the result of hundreds of letters, witness accounts, and journal entries. Elegant descriptions of eighteenth century life from ballrooms to the bloody battlefields.
I had never heard of Mary Philipse before I read this book and though this is fiction I will look her up to read more about her and her fascinating life.
Published February 19th 2019.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
Dear George, Dear Mary is the result of hundreds of letters, witness accounts, and journal entries. Elegant descriptions of eighteenth century life from ballrooms to the bloody battlefields.
I had never heard of Mary Philipse before I read this book and though this is fiction I will look her up to read more about her and her fascinating life.
Published February 19th 2019.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 11, 2023
I have long been fascinated by George Washington. So, naturally I was intrigued by the idea of Dear George, Dear Mary.
Honestly, this was not a story I enjoyed and barely finished. I know that George Washington had relationships with women and feelings for at least one before and after his marriage to Martha. His relationship with Sally Fairfax is well known. However, I was unaware of the existence of Mary Philipse before reading this novel.
While I appreciate that the author did extensive research using historical accounts, letters and journals to create this fictionalized story, I have a difficult time believing that George's perceptions and hatred of the British all stemmed from a failed relationship. That just does not ring true for me.
I found the novel long on detail and short on story. There was too much he did something and she felt something. And, I struggled to find any sort of connection or empathy to these characters.
Ultimately though, I think that many readers of history and historical fiction will enjoy this story. And early reviews have many readers praising it. It just wasn't a good fit for me.
Honestly, this was not a story I enjoyed and barely finished. I know that George Washington had relationships with women and feelings for at least one before and after his marriage to Martha. His relationship with Sally Fairfax is well known. However, I was unaware of the existence of Mary Philipse before reading this novel.
While I appreciate that the author did extensive research using historical accounts, letters and journals to create this fictionalized story, I have a difficult time believing that George's perceptions and hatred of the British all stemmed from a failed relationship. That just does not ring true for me.
I found the novel long on detail and short on story. There was too much he did something and she felt something. And, I struggled to find any sort of connection or empathy to these characters.
Ultimately though, I think that many readers of history and historical fiction will enjoy this story. And early reviews have many readers praising it. It just wasn't a good fit for me.
February 20, 2019
Nope nope NOPE! This book started so well and I was even ok with overlooking the purple prose and the more fiction than fact but this author took way too liberal license to make Washington a cheater and cheated on his wife with the now married Mary. I just don't see it after we see his character so strongly. Ugh just ruined this book for me. It was a 4 star read before this crap. I prefer historical fiction about real people to be rooted in fact. She even changed the entire reason behind the revolutionary war! Absolute drivel
February 18, 2019
It is easy to see this novel's appeal. Who isn't a little bit interested in the romantic side of George Washington? We know him as a battle-hardened soldier and stoic statesman, but a lovelorn young man - that's more difficult to envision. So, I jumped at the chance to read this book through NetGalley.
I really enjoyed the style of writing and the inclusion of excerpts from historical documents and letters. This added an authentic feel to the story, almost as if I was reading nonfiction....but that's also where my biggest issue comes in. By writing this story and inserting so many words actually spoken by Washington, the author makes it appear that her version of the story is correct. George and Mary must have been desperately in love, and Washington must have turned irreversibly against the British because of their thwarted romance.
Except that we don't know that is true. It is widely believed that Mary simply turned George down because she had higher prospects...better offers. That may be difficult for us to believe, knowing what we know, but who could have guessed that George Washington would become the most important man in US history? Even if she had an inkling, Mary is well documented to have been a staunch loyalist her entire life, so maybe she just thought their beliefs were incompatible.
However, it is not the job of a novelist to document history, but to follow trails that strict historians cannot follow, and Calvi's is an interesting and well-written exploration. I was so caught up in George and Mary's courtship that I wanted them to be together. I couldn't imagine what had brought such an enchanted relationship to an end. I was heartbroken for them both, even if I wasn't entirely convinced that George would base his involvement in the revolution upon what happened between them.
One more note that is probably minor to most readers, but I did not like the idea of George and Mary revisiting their feelings some 20 years later during the war. As much as I like what-could-have-happened storylines, I do not like them at the expense of the reputations and values of real historical figures. While some readers might find this part of the book romantic, I don't find adultery romantic and doubt George Washington would either. (Haven't we been reading his strict rules of behavior throughout the novel? Loved that part.)
So, while I end this book with some mixed feelings, I cannot deny that is is well-written and deeply researched. A worthy and unique read for those interested in lesser known aspects of the Founding Fathers' lives.
Received through NetGalley. Opinions my own.
I really enjoyed the style of writing and the inclusion of excerpts from historical documents and letters. This added an authentic feel to the story, almost as if I was reading nonfiction....but that's also where my biggest issue comes in. By writing this story and inserting so many words actually spoken by Washington, the author makes it appear that her version of the story is correct. George and Mary must have been desperately in love, and Washington must have turned irreversibly against the British because of their thwarted romance.
Except that we don't know that is true. It is widely believed that Mary simply turned George down because she had higher prospects...better offers. That may be difficult for us to believe, knowing what we know, but who could have guessed that George Washington would become the most important man in US history? Even if she had an inkling, Mary is well documented to have been a staunch loyalist her entire life, so maybe she just thought their beliefs were incompatible.
However, it is not the job of a novelist to document history, but to follow trails that strict historians cannot follow, and Calvi's is an interesting and well-written exploration. I was so caught up in George and Mary's courtship that I wanted them to be together. I couldn't imagine what had brought such an enchanted relationship to an end. I was heartbroken for them both, even if I wasn't entirely convinced that George would base his involvement in the revolution upon what happened between them.
One more note that is probably minor to most readers, but I did not like the idea of George and Mary revisiting their feelings some 20 years later during the war. As much as I like what-could-have-happened storylines, I do not like them at the expense of the reputations and values of real historical figures. While some readers might find this part of the book romantic, I don't find adultery romantic and doubt George Washington would either. (Haven't we been reading his strict rules of behavior throughout the novel? Loved that part.)
So, while I end this book with some mixed feelings, I cannot deny that is is well-written and deeply researched. A worthy and unique read for those interested in lesser known aspects of the Founding Fathers' lives.
Received through NetGalley. Opinions my own.
April 19, 2022
I enjoyed this. Fascinating story. I wish the ending had been fleshed out better. It left me wanting. But then maybe that was the intent as George Washington does not marry that Mary.
May 6, 2019
**3.5 stars
As biographical fiction, you can tell this one was researched. I loved the glimpse of George Washington before he was *George Washington,* and seeing the way High Society manifests in the Colonies. It was an interesting read (err, listen), and I got swept up in the story - Mary is dealing with some major PTSD and the way George helped her overcome those, and *decide* to overcome those, was touching.
Unlike many reviews/blurbs, I didn't see the relationship as the cause of the Revolution - but I can see how the way things transpired helped further disenchant George with the way the British Army was handling things. From the beginning, he was struggling to find equal footing with the British troops as a Colonel from *Virginia* (he was very proud of his Colonial/American status), so when the underhandedness that separated him from Mary came to light, it made sense for that to be "the last straw" in terms of cleaving from the British Army, and subsequently - later - from Britain itself.
As biographical fiction, you can tell this one was researched. I loved the glimpse of George Washington before he was *George Washington,* and seeing the way High Society manifests in the Colonies. It was an interesting read (err, listen), and I got swept up in the story - Mary is dealing with some major PTSD and the way George helped her overcome those, and *decide* to overcome those, was touching.
Unlike many reviews/blurbs, I didn't see the relationship as the cause of the Revolution - but I can see how the way things transpired helped further disenchant George with the way the British Army was handling things. From the beginning, he was struggling to find equal footing with the British troops as a Colonel from *Virginia* (he was very proud of his Colonial/American status), so when the underhandedness that separated him from Mary came to light, it made sense for that to be "the last straw" in terms of cleaving from the British Army, and subsequently - later - from Britain itself.
December 10, 2018
I really wanted to like this book. I found the descriptions of pre-revolutionary society interesting, and I enjoyed learning about the experiences and disciplines that shaped George Washington into a trusted leader....but I had a hard time following the development of George and Mary's relationship. The fact that this book is based on their actual letters is very interesting, unfortunately I was unable to follow the story line in a meaningful manner.
March 17, 2019
I usually like historical fiction but this one bordered on trashy. Obviously,the dialogue has to be made up. I think of “My Dear Hamilton,” Eliza Hamilton’s biography. All of the incidents rang true so you felt like you knew the characters. Mary Phillipse had no real deapth. She only had two emotions, depression and love. It was a real insult to George Washington to see him as a sap who followed British orders without question and moaned for his Mary. This book was a real disappointment.
July 9, 2025
3.5 Stars
The title is misleading - this is not the epistolary novel I was hoping for. I could have done without the extensive backstory; it was 100 pages before George and Mary first met. After that, I was completely sucked into the story. I don’t think I would’ve finished it if it wasn’t my book club read this month!
I loved how the author wrote the inner thoughts of George Washington and Mary Philipse Morris. It was crazy all the tragedy that befell Mary and I did feel sorry for her. But by the end, she seemed to have learned from her sorrows and love for George Washington. I think the author was respectful to these historical figures and portrayed them as real, flawed individuals worthy of honor but not adoration.
The title is misleading - this is not the epistolary novel I was hoping for. I could have done without the extensive backstory; it was 100 pages before George and Mary first met. After that, I was completely sucked into the story. I don’t think I would’ve finished it if it wasn’t my book club read this month!
I loved how the author wrote the inner thoughts of George Washington and Mary Philipse Morris. It was crazy all the tragedy that befell Mary and I did feel sorry for her. But by the end, she seemed to have learned from her sorrows and love for George Washington. I think the author was respectful to these historical figures and portrayed them as real, flawed individuals worthy of honor but not adoration.
February 8, 2019
Oh sigh. I enjoyed this blend of fact and fiction despite my serious issue with the suggestion that the American Revolution had it roots in a romantic relationship. George Washington looms larger than life in so much of our understanding of Colonial America and there are many many tales about him- some true, some not. Mary Philipse was new to me. Calvi has clearly done an immense amount of research to pull together this novel of Washington's first love. The challenge is that you have more of a sense of Washington than of Philpse and even less so of their love affair. Admittedly, letters from this time frame were written in a far different way than modern romance novels but still.... I think I would have liked this more had Calvi sacrificed some of that wonderful research and realism and gone all in for imagining and coloring the relationship as has been done in other novels of this genre. That said, it's a good and educational read that will send you to do some googling for more info. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
January 22, 2019
I have been giving this review a lot of thought. From the title and the blurb I expected to actually read letters from/to George Washington and from/to Mary Philipse therefore I experienced some disappointment that it was not so. To be sure, there are snippets here and there but not to the extent I had been looking forward to or had been led to believe.
The story is enthralling at times and at others I feel left wanting more. I'm not sure if that is because as a woman of our time I want her to not give in and marry Morris - you don't need a man just because he is a man, wait for George - or what? It is a different time, there was tremendous pressure on her to marry Morris, for goodness sake, her family, not to mention the British army conspired against her and Colonel Washington just so that twit can woo and then marry her. She didn't stand a chance, neither did Washington. It was frustrating, who knows what would have been. Of course I realize much of this is gleaned from the letters, etc. I don't know how much was actually detailed in the papers that Calvi had at her disposal. I do know she did what appears to be quite a bit of research. I will say there were some rotten people in poor Mary's life along with some good people as well. Can't believe Dr. James Jay didn't get run out of town or worse, I guess family connections will save anybody even from their own family.
All in all I did enjoy reading this book, I got over the initial disappointment over it not being a collection of letters. That is due entirely to Calvi's easy writing style. While referring to real people and events, it reads like a fiction. It could easily be made into a pleasant and enjoyable film. I had previously enjoyed historical fiction but somewhere along the way, it became too "romancey" and not enough historical. The genre became just another way to deliver the rather too intimate details of a relationship, perhaps mask it in a less scandalous way. Dear George, Dear Mary is a story of a romance, make no mistake, but it isn't about serving us the "juicy bits" or about detailing the physical aspects of the relationship. It is a telling of a real relationship shared by these two people who happened to have places in our history. It is ultimately an unhappy relationship because it was unfulfilled, they never got to see their hopes and dreams succeed due to forces beyond their control. It is sad. It is nice to see/believe that although the years passed, the great hurt and disappointment that Washington must have felt did not color his treatment of Mary during the war. George Washington was ever the gentleman through and through. It is easy to see why the women all swooned over him. I did enjoy seeing some of the 110 rules for a gentleman by which Washington comported himself - would have really liked it if these rules were listed somewhere in their entirety especially as I have a feeling they would still apply and be useful in today's world!
If you like the old fashioned historical fiction, give this book a try. It is a quick read and a pleasant way to spend your free time.
The story is enthralling at times and at others I feel left wanting more. I'm not sure if that is because as a woman of our time I want her to not give in and marry Morris - you don't need a man just because he is a man, wait for George - or what? It is a different time, there was tremendous pressure on her to marry Morris, for goodness sake, her family, not to mention the British army conspired against her and Colonel Washington just so that twit can woo and then marry her. She didn't stand a chance, neither did Washington. It was frustrating, who knows what would have been. Of course I realize much of this is gleaned from the letters, etc. I don't know how much was actually detailed in the papers that Calvi had at her disposal. I do know she did what appears to be quite a bit of research. I will say there were some rotten people in poor Mary's life along with some good people as well. Can't believe Dr. James Jay didn't get run out of town or worse, I guess family connections will save anybody even from their own family.
All in all I did enjoy reading this book, I got over the initial disappointment over it not being a collection of letters. That is due entirely to Calvi's easy writing style. While referring to real people and events, it reads like a fiction. It could easily be made into a pleasant and enjoyable film. I had previously enjoyed historical fiction but somewhere along the way, it became too "romancey" and not enough historical. The genre became just another way to deliver the rather too intimate details of a relationship, perhaps mask it in a less scandalous way. Dear George, Dear Mary is a story of a romance, make no mistake, but it isn't about serving us the "juicy bits" or about detailing the physical aspects of the relationship. It is a telling of a real relationship shared by these two people who happened to have places in our history. It is ultimately an unhappy relationship because it was unfulfilled, they never got to see their hopes and dreams succeed due to forces beyond their control. It is sad. It is nice to see/believe that although the years passed, the great hurt and disappointment that Washington must have felt did not color his treatment of Mary during the war. George Washington was ever the gentleman through and through. It is easy to see why the women all swooned over him. I did enjoy seeing some of the 110 rules for a gentleman by which Washington comported himself - would have really liked it if these rules were listed somewhere in their entirety especially as I have a feeling they would still apply and be useful in today's world!
If you like the old fashioned historical fiction, give this book a try. It is a quick read and a pleasant way to spend your free time.
February 21, 2019
"Dear George, Dear Mary" is the story of George Washington and his first love, Mary Philipse. Usually we see George Washington as the war hero and the stoic President. We don't often to get to see him as a romantic figure. This book is an interesting take on why Washington was so involved with the American Revolution. Was it for country or was it for love?
I love when historical fiction can get you to see a different side of a famous historical figure like we do in this one with George Washington. Before reading this book, I had never even heard of Mary but I had heard a lot of George Washington. It was so interesting how the author brought both of these characters to life. The author packs in a lot of detail from historical letters and documents that really made the book come to life. There were a few places where it could have been streamlined but overall the detail was nice.
I did have some difficulty with suspension of disbelief in this book with regard to what pushes Washington towards the revolution. The story of his drivers and involvement is very well known. Perhaps love was a factor but it was not a singular factor and it was hard for me to buy in to that without forgetting the well known stories.
I love when historical fiction can get you to see a different side of a famous historical figure like we do in this one with George Washington. Before reading this book, I had never even heard of Mary but I had heard a lot of George Washington. It was so interesting how the author brought both of these characters to life. The author packs in a lot of detail from historical letters and documents that really made the book come to life. There were a few places where it could have been streamlined but overall the detail was nice.
I did have some difficulty with suspension of disbelief in this book with regard to what pushes Washington towards the revolution. The story of his drivers and involvement is very well known. Perhaps love was a factor but it was not a singular factor and it was hard for me to buy in to that without forgetting the well known stories.
July 7, 2019
I wanted to like this book more than I did. I love reading about our Founding Fathers so much I was hoping for more. I did enjoy considering George as a 24 year old young officer with a love interest. I don't recall ever hearing his wife Martha described as that.
I found Mary Philipse's story as tedious with the exception of her family.
Many of the characters were historical and most interesting, but there is the catch, no footnotes! While the author touts thousands of documents from the 1800's to back her claim I wanted to see for myself.
The author did provide startling deception at the end of her fictious story regarding the reason Washington's letters to her were not found.
There is some interesting insight to our first president. His 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation is a fact. The stories of bravery are true, during the French and Indian War.
I saw the interview with the author and she was not saying this story is fact just that there are a lot of references that point to it.
I found Mary Philipse's story as tedious with the exception of her family.
Many of the characters were historical and most interesting, but there is the catch, no footnotes! While the author touts thousands of documents from the 1800's to back her claim I wanted to see for myself.
The author did provide startling deception at the end of her fictious story regarding the reason Washington's letters to her were not found.
There is some interesting insight to our first president. His 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation is a fact. The stories of bravery are true, during the French and Indian War.
I saw the interview with the author and she was not saying this story is fact just that there are a lot of references that point to it.
Read
March 20, 2019I did not finish this book. I had higher expectations.
February 5, 2022
This is historical fiction based on the true love story of George Washington and Mary Philipse. America as we know it today is not yet born in this novel but the colonies are preparing to fight for freedom as George Washington emerges as a strong and honorable leader. A practical and kind man influenced by the close relationship he had with his mother, Washington meets Mary Eliza Philipse while visiting her family’s manor. She is also kind and gentle; a young woman who has already experienced tragic loss in her short life but refuses to be broken by it.
Their affection is genuine and their love is true. While cheering for freedom as the birth of America approaches you can’t help but cheer for their love as well.
This book is written in four parts and contains excerpts from letters written by George Washington throughout. Each chapter begins with a quote from him and the reader really gets a feel for who he was and what made him such a hero.
Though the first part was a bit slow and I was afraid I wouldn’t connect to any of the characters in a deep way, the story picked up in the second part and after that I was invested and couldn’t put it down. If you know much about Washington’s life the ending may not completely surprise you but it left a lasting impression on me.
4/5 ⭐️ - I really liked it.
Their affection is genuine and their love is true. While cheering for freedom as the birth of America approaches you can’t help but cheer for their love as well.
This book is written in four parts and contains excerpts from letters written by George Washington throughout. Each chapter begins with a quote from him and the reader really gets a feel for who he was and what made him such a hero.
Though the first part was a bit slow and I was afraid I wouldn’t connect to any of the characters in a deep way, the story picked up in the second part and after that I was invested and couldn’t put it down. If you know much about Washington’s life the ending may not completely surprise you but it left a lasting impression on me.
4/5 ⭐️ - I really liked it.
February 18, 2019
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review here. This novel is breathtaking. Mary Calvi uses beautiful language in her descriptions and captures the first flutters of love perfectly. In fact, it almost felt as if I were falling in love with George Washington myself. Calvi accomplishes in her novel what I think is the most important for a work of fiction based on a real person: she made him seem real. Going into this book, I viewed Washington as a historical figure, but one for whom I had a soft spot because he was a fellow Virginian. After reading Dear George, Dear Mary, I feel even more connected to him because, whether all of the emotions expressed in the novel were truly his or not, I felt with and for him through reading his words. How Calvi made a whole, gripping novel out of letters she read between Washington and Mary Eliza Philipse is inspiring, to say the least. She did an excellent job here. I was expecting something mediocre and got something great and memorable instead.
Read my full review here. This novel is breathtaking. Mary Calvi uses beautiful language in her descriptions and captures the first flutters of love perfectly. In fact, it almost felt as if I were falling in love with George Washington myself. Calvi accomplishes in her novel what I think is the most important for a work of fiction based on a real person: she made him seem real. Going into this book, I viewed Washington as a historical figure, but one for whom I had a soft spot because he was a fellow Virginian. After reading Dear George, Dear Mary, I feel even more connected to him because, whether all of the emotions expressed in the novel were truly his or not, I felt with and for him through reading his words. How Calvi made a whole, gripping novel out of letters she read between Washington and Mary Eliza Philipse is inspiring, to say the least. She did an excellent job here. I was expecting something mediocre and got something great and memorable instead.
February 17, 2023
I haven’t read historical fiction in a while, so this was a nice change of pace! It’s an especially fun read if you’re familiar with the Hamilton musical. That helped me tie some things together, or it simply made some of the characters feel more familiar.
As it’s a historical fiction novel about George Washington’s first love, you know not to expect a perfect happy ending (as George married Martha, not Mary Eliza), but it was still a sweet read. The last section of the book felt a little slow, and I’m not sure it has the most satisfactory ending, but that’s partly due to the history it’s based on. The author had only so much freedom with the plot. Overall, 3.5/5 stars. It was an enjoyable read.
As it’s a historical fiction novel about George Washington’s first love, you know not to expect a perfect happy ending (as George married Martha, not Mary Eliza), but it was still a sweet read. The last section of the book felt a little slow, and I’m not sure it has the most satisfactory ending, but that’s partly due to the history it’s based on. The author had only so much freedom with the plot. Overall, 3.5/5 stars. It was an enjoyable read.
March 9, 2019
An entertaining historical novel based in my homeland. How wonderful that finally the Philips family is being remembered. Sadly they aligned themselves with the wrong side. Though I note many of their relatives did not. Indeed, one of Mary's nephew's was said to have speculated that if George Washington had married his Aunt Morris, there would have been a different outcome to the Revolutionary War.
No matter, this is a lovely story about real star-crossed lovers nicely told by a local journalist. A great read.
No matter, this is a lovely story about real star-crossed lovers nicely told by a local journalist. A great read.
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February 7, 2023I really enjoyed this speculative historical novel about George Washington and his potential love affair with New York socialite, Mary Philipse. Calvi uses real letters and historical documents to imagine his rumored relationship with Mary, who stayed loyal to Britain and had to flee when the Continental Army made her home its headquarters. The story raises many “what-ifs” from history - would George have become General Washington if he had married into the Philipse family? It’s an interesting theory!
February 19, 2019
Dear George, Dear Mary is well-written with creative descriptions made this an enjoyable read. It held my attention throughout and was also a history lesson as I had not heard of George Washington's first love, Mary Philipse.
Mary Calvi transports you back to the time of the American Revolution and provides great detail of the time period. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction based on true events taken from historical accounts, letter and journals. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this free copy for my honest review.
Mary Calvi transports you back to the time of the American Revolution and provides great detail of the time period. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction based on true events taken from historical accounts, letter and journals. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this free copy for my honest review.
January 4, 2019
Dear George, Dear Mary: A Novel of George Washington's First Love is a great read. I give it four and a half stars.
May 5, 2019
A beautiful love story.
July 13, 2019
Good idea for a novel- however, writing is too labored and passive for a romantic or gripping historical novel. I did enjoy doing some research of my own about the people in the book. And about Calvi as well.
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