Book Summary and Reviews of Angelica by Molly Beer

Reader Reviews

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Gerrie B. (Carmel, IN)

Take A Journey Through An Amazing Life!
Molly Beer's Angelica is a mesmerizing journey through time and place.While guiding the reader through the fascinating life of Angelica Schuyler Church, Beer weaves a story filled with family drama, social nuance, and political intrigue. A very enjoyable and informative book, Angelica tells the story of a woman who profoundly influenced political and social history both at home and abroad.

Beer's work in Angelica is both gripping and stark in its depictions of women's permitted roles in society and the backlash they often face when stepping beyond those prescribed roles. The book is both poignant and topical and forces comparisons to the current political and social climate. For me, the book, like Angelica's life, ended far too soon. Angelica would be an excellent choice for book clubs and those who appreciate social and political history.

Portia A. (Monroe Township, NJ)

I thought I knew
If you think, as I did, that you know the history of the founding of the United States, please read this book. If you think women were not involved, read "Angelica". You will learn of an amazing woman who played a significant role in the development of this country. It will be well worth your time.

Mary L. (Greeley, CO)

Much More to American history
Until I read "Angelica" I thought I knew so much about the American Revolution. I first became aware of the Schuyler sisters through the musical "Hamilton" so was eager to read this biography. Molly Beer's research is impeccable and, because she grew up in Angelica, New York, she provides a reader with a more complete view of these times, especially the strength of so many women, especially focusing on Angelica and her family. One intriguing concept was the concern at the time about how the so disparate colonies could unite and in what form of government. Another is how surprised the French were at the "sturdiness" of who were to become American women. Anyone who wants to have more complete knowledge of the War of Independence will find it in this biography.

Jean F. (Cary, NC)

Influential Early American Patriot
Molly Beer's nonfiction work is a depiction of the early years of the American colonies primarily through the perspective of Angelica Schuyler Church. Daughter of noted general and statesman Philip Schuyler of Albany, NY, Angelica was deeply interested in politics. Given the prominence of her family, she became acquainted with and ultimately friends with the likes of Lafayette, George Washington, and even Thomas Jefferson.

Through her sister's marriage to Alexander Hamilton, he too became both her friend and a confidant. Angelica was unusual for her time in that she lived abroad for a while in both Paris and London and was renowned as a gracious and influential hostess.
Beer draws on a treasure trove of letters to create this portrait of Angelica, a woman who never held any official position, and who of course, could not vote.

I found Beer's book fascinating both for its history of three early wars and for its setting in upstate New York, where I lived for some years. A list of the principal figures and their titles would have been helpful for this reader. Recommended especially for American history buffs and those interested in18th century women's history.

John B. (Nashville, TN)

Angelica - For Love And Country In A Time of Revolution
Angelica – For Love and Country in a Time of Revolution

The captivating story of Angelica Schuyler Church, driven by Molly Beer's eloquent, vivid narrative and rooted in her extensive research, illuminates the often-unforgiving exposé of Angelica's extended family and friends, politicians, and nations amid the ever-shifting hopes and fortunes of the time. Changes not only in the colonies of the New World and the War of Independence, but also across the Atlantic, where England, France, and Spain were constantly subject to fluctuating allegiances, alliances, and interests. As the War of Independence dragged on, we hear how the 'factionalism, regionalism, individual ambitions, and contrasting objectives splintered the delicate unity of shared purpose'.

Following the treaty with the English that ended the war, Angelica spent most of the following fourteen years both travelling between and living in England and France. She witnessed the beginnings of the French Revolution and the subsequent demise of the American-French alliance, ultimately resulting in closer and what would become long-lasting ties between England and its former American colonies. Support for freedom, justice, and liberty, not only for men, but for women and the enslaved, as espoused by Angelica and made so lucid in Ms. Beer's writing, continues to this day.

Barbara B. (Harlingen, TX)

Angelica
This book is more than the biography of Angelica Schuyler Church, Colonial daughter, wife and mother... It is more than a history of the Revolutionary War battles. It is a treatise on the role of women in the male dominated society of this era

The men in Angelicas family are all wealthy and influential. The women are maternal and "charming". Angelica had hopes that this new government would give some rights and status to women so was dismayed when it did neither.

The well written book is filled with details of daily living and quotes made by the founding fathers. The author caused me to stop and rethink my ideas of these revered men and their Declaration. I am recommending it to all the women in my life.

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