If I had to write a one-word review of Maggie O’Farrell’s book, Hamnet, I would simply say “Wow.” I would write more if I could stop crying, but I was powerfully moved by this story, and it’s going to stay with me for a long time. And it’s okay to cry.
It is a story about grief…so beautifully described, so honestly told. It is the story of William Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, and his death at age 11. It was a devastating death for his family, as such a loss would be for any family, and the author includes you as one who feels the loss intensely.
How were they to know that Hamnet was the pin holding them together? That without him they would all fragment and fall apart, like a cup shattered on the floor?
Read it. The writing is mesmerizing, beautiful, gripping, profound. But be prepared to cry, because you become totally immersed in the emotional honesty of this world created by Maggie O’Farrell. And then read Shakespeare’s Hamlet again, from a new vantage point, which is what I am going to do now.
“Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet prince;
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. ”
My husband’s copy of Hamlet…with post-it notes
A Fondness For Reading 
Such a great book! I will re-read it – and maybe Hamlet.
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Andi, I’m definitely going to re-read it, as well! It was so beautifully written.
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I wasn’t interested when I first saw this title. Lately, I have been reading such good reviews and thought maybe I should reconsider. Now I have reserved it! Thanks, Robin. Also, I am thoroughly enjoying leafing through Hanok.
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Marlo, I’m glad you are enjoying Hanok. And I’ll be very interested in what you think of Hamnet. Have the tissues close at hand. It really is a story of grief, so beautifully told.
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I have this one and I was waiting for just the right time to read it but now you have me pushing it to the top of the pile.
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Ti, I’ll be very interested in what you think of it when you get to it! It’s one that sticks with you, and I’d definitely like to re-read it at some point.
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Yeah… exactly. My favorite book of 2020!
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Davida, It could easily be my favorite of 2021!
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No doubt! It is her masterpiece (and I’ve read everything she’s written, including her memoir, which was blow my mind amazing)!
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I’m looking forward to reading this one! My book club is discussing it in November, so I should have plenty of time to read it and maybe Hamlet (which I read over 20 years ago). So glad you enjoyed it!
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Les, my sister-in-law’s book club read it, and she said they had a great discussion. It was on her recommendation that I finally read it, and I’m so glad I did! I’ll be interested in what you think of it.
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