Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

Book Review

Wow, what a truly exceptional book. I can’t believe it took me so long to read this one! I can certainly see why the New York Times rated this one of their top ten books of 2020.

This beautifully written historical fiction book follows the family drama and tragedy that inspired Shakespeare’s famous play, Hamlet. Beginning in 1580 when the Black Death is sweeping across Europe, a young girl falls ill. As she’s cared for by her twin, Hamnet, and her eccentric mother, we’re shown a series of flashbacks recounting the mother and father’s young adulthood leading up to the birth of their twins. I’m afraid I can’t say much more without giving anything away…

Whether or not you’re a fan of Shakespeare, this is a must read for historical fiction and/or literary fiction fans! An intimate knowledge of Shakespeare’s work is not necessary to understand and appreciate this incredible book. Between the poetic prose, thoughtful character development and emotional storytelling, this book had me hooked from beginning to end. Admittedly, I was a touch confused by the first chapter, but I quickly caught on to what was happening and couldn’t stop reading.

The way the author writes Agnes, the mother, and her husband is truly masterful. She does so in a way that maintains a bit of mystery but also allows the reader to know exactly who and what she’s discussing by reading between the lines. I also loved the depiction of Agnes’ unusual skills as a woman with psychic/healing abilities (and how those around her perceive those abilities). There were many other aspects of the book I loved, which I won’t share for fear of spoilers 🤫.

Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

TW: Death of a child, pandemic, grief, infidelity, physical abuse