Why I was interested in this book:

I think I had heard of Hamnet, the novel, without making any effort to read it for multiple years. As you may remember, I often avoid modern, trendy novels. But, when the stars aligned for trailers of the film and promotion for the run of the play at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre (CST) came out around the same time, I became intrigued. Nothing particular about the movie was a huge draw for me, but anything that CST produces is a win, in my book. Plus, I am a fan of Shakespearean works, so a story based on the man himself (even if it was written with creative liberties taken) sounded interesting. Thus, with a plan to read the book, then watch the film, then enjoy a live theatrical portrayal all within a two-month period, I retrieved a copy from my local library.

Basic info about the book:

• Author: Maggie O’Farrell, Irish
• Genre: fiction: historical/literary
• Setting: England during the time of the Bubonic Plague. Late 1500s in Warwickshire and London.
• Published in March 2020 (interesting timing during our own pandemic)
• Standalone novel

Did I like Hamnet?

Short answer: yes. The story, which I would say is about loss and mourning in various capacities, was engaging without being gratuitous in preying on my emotions. I had a few minor grievances (how many times in one book can you use the word “acrid”??) but overall, I enjoyed getting to know the characters as I was transported to a time in history that was so unlike my own and yet filled with portrayals of real human experiences that of course, endure across time and throughout all circumstances.

What about the movie & the play?

The movie was very artfully done — lovely to watch — but I had quite a few issues with storyline choices. It followed the overall narrative but edited out or simplified almost all characters besides Agnes and William. I felt like that was a disservice to their character arcs because in the book (as in life) we don’t exist as individuals created in a vacuum, but as complex creatures who evolved as we go through life together. The play was a far truer adaptation of O’Farrell’s book and was produced excellently at the Yard.

This book may be for you if you also like: other titles by Maggie O’Farrell; Hamnet (film, 2025); William Shakespeare; Hamlet; stories about grief; vivid descriptions of sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures; Kestrels; apples; sleeping in lofts; breaking the cycle of dysfunctional families; pursuing dreams; writing with feather pens; foraging for herbs and food; glove making; sibling dynamics; bee keeping; communal living; love stories; resilience in the midst of impossible circumstances.

SDG