Themes: love, relationships, family, motherhood, grief and forgiveness.
Synopsis & Review: A historical fiction novel inspired by Shakespeare and his son Hamnet who died at age 11. Set is Stratford, Warwickshire in the late 1500's the story transitions between two timelines. The main character Agnes is an unusual young woman with a gift. She is feared by the majority, accused of witchcraft and madness; only loved dearly by her brother Bartholomew and her husband.
Agnes and her husband have three children, Joan the eldest followed by twins, Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet dies suddenly leaving the family shattered and incomplete. A few years later, his father writes a play called Hamlet, which proves to be a monumental success.
This was such a captivating read. I felt like I was on a journey in time from the first page. The writing is so beautiful and lyrical which characters thoughts and emotions described in stunning detail. I picked this book up now knowing much about it (besides reading the blurb) so I didn't really expect much. In hindsight, this was the best decision - let's just say, the less you know the better. I loved the fact that Shakespeare was never addressed by his name, only referred to as 'father' or 'husband' throughout the novel. This kept him somewhat closed and disconnected from the reader's point of view which resonates well with his real persona. Agnes, on the other hand is an extraordinary, enchanting character. Her thoughts and emotions are laid bare across the pages.
It's a heart-breaking story of love and loss with many moving scenes. The plague is a major presence throughout, which made the story very relevant and relatable to the current pandemic we are experiencing. I think O'Farrell did a fantastic job of writing about grief, especially from a mothers perspective. The death of a child is an unimaginable horror; the helplessness and despair which follows is displayed in a remarkable way and considers each family members individual suffering. Finally, I have to touch on the ending which is what made it for me. I was honestly in awe. The final chapters as Agnes visits London to witness the play come to life; in the moments when she understands the meaning and representation behind it all. It was just so beautiful - painful and heart-breaking but ethereal and warming.
Reading this novel was truly a memorable experience, I have never read anything like it. I will definitely be exploring more books by Maggie O'Farrell and would highly recommend Hamnet to all.
Rating: 5/5
Favourite Quotes:
'What is given may be taken away at any time.'
'That you had more hidden away inside you than anyone else she'd ever known.'
'Remember me.'
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