Heartbreaking Must Read – ‘Hamnet’ Book Review

I’m not a fan of Shakespeare’s writing, so when ‘Hamnet’ by Maggie O’Farrell was the prescribed reading in a book club I’m part of, my expectations were low.

Key points:

‘Hamnet’ is a fictional account of William Shakespeare’s son Hamnet, as told from the perspective of his wife Agnes.

Set in 1596, the novel explores the marriage and family life behind one of history’s most famous writers.

I enjoyed getting to know Agnes. I’d never considered what it may have been like to be married to the Bard, and as expected hers was not an easy life.

As a mother myself, watching Agnes parent Hamnet and Judith was challenging in a beautiful and powerful way.

‘Hamnet’ will stay with you forever – it’s not a book you can quickly forget.

The way she loves her children and raises them with love and affection is inspiring, albeit heartbreaking.

She inspired me and showed me different perspectives I’d never considered, and my heart broke with hers.

‘Hamnet’ addresses the importance of processing grief and allowing each person to address this in their own way.

Be warned – ‘Hamnet’ will break your heart – but you won’t regret reading it.

I’ve never experienced such a realistic depiction of grief.

‘Hamnet’ will stay with you forever – it’s not a book you can quickly forget. I dare you not to cry – ugly cry.

Be warned – ‘Hamnet’ will break your heart – but you won’t regret reading it.

Interestingly, Shakespeare is never named, allowing the story’s main characters – Agnes, Hamnet and Hamnet’s twin sister Judith – to shine.

If you enjoy historical fiction, literary fiction with beautiful prose or reading about marriage and family, you’ll love ‘Hamnet’.

Joni gives ‘Hamnet’ 4.5 stars out of 5.

‘Hamnet’ won the Women’s Prize for Fiction and was chosen as Waterstones’ Book of the Year in 2020.

It will leave you needing to hug those you love and with a reminder to pay attention to the small details in life, enjoying the gifts life brings.

I give ‘Hamnet’ 4.5 stars out of 5.

Feature image: Book cover used with permission.