Publishers Weekly
08/05/2019
Scott (I, Eliza Hamilton) imagines the life of Mary Emmons, an enslaved woman from India who had a relationship with Aaron Burr, providing her a voice that highlights the hypocrisy and cruelty of the white imperialists around her . Born in Calcutta and sold into slavery at age eight, Mary learns at an early age to use her wits survive. She is brought to the American colonies on the eve of revolution and is eventually sold to the wife of Col. Aaron Burr, Theodosia Prevost. Mary is drawn to the kind, enigmatic Burr, and as they tend to the dying Theodosia, he and Mary begin an affair that challenges the rules of society and the very notions of freedom at the heart of the new American experiment. While the plot and pacing can be plodding and predictable, Scott’s deeply empathetic heroine is sure to keep readers hooked; both her inner strength and the strength of her relationships—such as the connection she has to her fellow enslaved people in India—elevate and anchor the story. Though not exactly revolutionary, this is a moving and vivid work of historical fiction. Agent: Annelise Robey, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
Praise for The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr:
"Scott’s deeply empathetic heroine is sure to keep readers hooked; both her inner strength and the strength of her relationships...elevate and anchor the story....A moving and vivid work of historical fiction."
—Publishers Weekly
"Impressive research, details and an unforgettable cast of characters lead by a woman of courage and spirit spark a story infused with heart. Highly recommended."
—Eileen Charbonneau, The Historical Novels Review
“Scott has created a memorable protagonist whose persistence and courage are often inspiring.”
—Library Journal
Praise for Susan Holloway Scott's I, Eliza Hamilton:
“Scott’s devotion to research is evident . . . a rewarding take on a fascinating historical couple.”
—Library Journal
“Readers will be captivated.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Packed with political and historical as well as domestic details.”
—Booklist
“I, Eliza Hamilton is going to be your next Hamilton obsession.”
—Bustle
“With the recent popularity of Alexander Hamilton comes the much-deserved interest in his wife, Eliza. . . . This piece of historical fiction tells the true story of Eliza Hamilton in a narrative that captures both her kindness and strength.”
—Gillian Pensavalle, The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast
“While you’re waiting for Hamilton tickets, or if you’re obsessed with American history, this is the book to read. Scott . . . brings a fascinating woman and tumultuous era to full-fledged life.”
—RT Book Reviews
Library Journal
09/01/2019
Sold into slavery at a young age, Mary is transported from India to the New Jersey household of Theodosia Prevost, the wife of a British officer fighting in the Revolutionary War. Theodosia's passionate adulterous affair with a young Aaron Burr has unexpected consequences for Mary when she becomes the target of his unwanted sexual advances. Over the next decades, Mary's increasingly complicated relationship with Burr dominates her life. The author of more than 50 novels, including 2017's I, Eliza Hamilton, Scott once again takes advantage of the craze for all things Hamilton and Hamilton-adjacent. Very little is actually known about the historical figure of Mary Emmons, but Scott has created a memorable protagonist whose persistence and courage are often inspiring. However, many readers may feel uneasy about the "romantic" relationship that begins with Burr repeatedly raping an enslaved woman. It is often unclear whether Mary's subsequent actions are simply her trying to make the best of a bad situation or if she has actually fallen in love with her rapist, and the book would have benefited from spending more time exploring her inner life. VERDICT Readers misled by the title to expect a less disturbing love story will certainly be disappointed.—Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign P.L., IL
NOVEMBER 2019 - AudioFile
In a performance filled with restrained rage, Kirsten Potter portrays Via, a 7-year-old Tamil girl, the product of her mother’s rape by a British soldier, who is sold into slavery. Her final owner, Colonel Prevost, renames her Mary and presents her to his wife, Theodosia. “Mary” grows into a woman with a strong sense of personal identity. Theodosia begins a torrid affair with young Colonel Aaron Burr, who also forces his sexual attentions on Mary. Burr continues to demand Mary’s presence in his bed even after marriage to Theodosia. Potter makes Mary’s helplessness and confused feelings toward Burr starkly real. She skillfully conveys the dangerous nature of the Mary/Burr relationship, in the process revealing the jealousies, duels, and double-dealings of our Founding Fathers. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine