This is the second novel by Maggie O'Farrell that I read, and they were almost one right after the other. Hamnet was also a best-seller, and it was also the winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award. It deals with animal cruelty, bullying, child abuse, child death (not from abuse), grief, pregnancy, and an epidemic.
William Shakespeare had three children, Susanna and twins Judith and Hamnet. When Hamnet was about eleven years old and the cause of his death is unknown, since the register of his death at the parish did not list a cause of death. In Hamnet, Maggie O'Farrell poses one possible cause: The Black Death. Hamnet dies rather early in the book, which really focuses on the relationship between Hamnet's parents William and Agnes, and how Hamnet's family dealt with the grief of losing him. Maggie O'Farrell posits that the grief William Shakespeare felt at the death of his son led him to write what is possibly the greatest play of all time, breaking away from the comedies he had been writing.
When I listened to The Marriage Portrait, I thought that maybe that was the wrong medium for one of Maggie O'Farrell's historical fictions, but when I first started Hamnet, it changed to "maybe Maggie O'Farrell isn't the author for me." Luckily, that opinion changed after the first few chapters. Was this an easy read? No. Was it a fast read? No. Did I weep like someone had ripped my heart out of my chest when Hamnet died? Yes I did. Did I enjoy it (the book, not the weeping)? Yes. Will I read it again? No, I will not. I did end up enjoying this novel but I've decided that I really have to be in the mood for one of Maggie O'Farrell's books. They are well written but they're very formal. And the characters are hard to relate to, which makes it very difficult for me. I feel like it's important to remind everyone, also, that while the story Maggie O'Farrell has written about William, Anne, and Hamnet Shakespeare, almost none of it has any bearing in fact since there is so little written about Anne and Hamnet.
I'm giving Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell four stars out of five. I'm not going to shy away from her novels in the future, but I will read them more intentionally, knowing that I really need to be in the right state of mind to tackle one of her books. If you have any interest in Shakespeare or history in general, this is an interesting take on his life. Otherwise, it may not be for you.
For more from Maggie O'Farrell, take a look at her website at https://www.maggieofarrell.com/
Pairs well with griddle cakes and watching David Tennant take on the role of Hamlet.
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