by Maggie O’Farrel

Shakespeare is never named directly in the book but it’s clear that’s what’s happening. Their son, Hamnet, is a sweet and curious boy. This is during the plague — The Black Death. And their son dies, His mother never recovers. Their marriage never recovers. Shakespeare never gets over it. Though he is able to turn his grief into art.

The beauty of this novel is in the details. You feel the living-on-top-of-each-other reality of the time period. You hate the relentless work, fear the inevitable cruelty of men who are free to be as cruel as they want. You believe in the magic and superstitions. You resent Shakespeare’s freedom to get away to write plays in London. You can almost smell the herbs Agnes grows and feel the cobblestone streets under your feet as you follow the characters through their lives.

The pain the characters go through feels so real, it’s like you’re right there with them. The way O’Farrell writes about Hamnet’s death and its impact on the family is heartbreaking and beautiful. The incapableness of her near-imprisonment in her husband’s ex-life once he leaves, though, is what sticks with you. He flees his cruel father, discovers his art. She is trapped, though she is more powerful than anyone else in the story.

Even though the book is historical fiction, the emotions and struggles of the characters are timeless and relatable. It’s interesting to think about how the death of Hamnet might have inspired one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, “Hamlet.” This connection adds another layer to the story that makes you appreciate the power of art and storytelling.

“Hamnet” is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction or wants to dive into a story rich with emotion and exquisite detail. It’s cool that it’s book about Shakespeare’s family. But it’s worth reading even if it was only a well-researched story set in the time he lived in.

Also, that visual of London Bridge, when Agnes finally makes the trip to see one of her husband’s plays, will stick with you.

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