Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell: A Masterpiece of Grief and Mystery

Set in Warwickshire in the 1580s, Hamnet is a breathtaking novel that captures the profound complexities of death and grief during an era when the world beyond one's doorstep was often frightening and misunderstood. At The Book Resort, we rate this novel exceptionally high—a solid 8.5 out of 10.

The Relatable Creative: Shakespeare Without the Name

As dedicated fans of Shakespeare’s work—from Hamlet to Romeo and Juliet—we were immediately drawn to this creative retelling. Intriguingly, O’Farrell never mentions the playwright by name. He is referred to only as "the husband" or "the Latin tutor." This stylistic choice makes the story feel more grounded and relatable; it reminds us that even history's greatest creative icons were human beings who endured family hardships, just like us.

Agnes: A Mother and a Force of Nature

While the book is titled after Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, the heart of the story belongs to his mother, Agnes. She is portrayed as a feisty, independent, and mysterious character. Viewed through a modern lens, Agnes is a woman who commands respect, her life intertwined with whispers of sorcery and herbalism—elements that Maggie O'Farrell weaves beautifully into the 16th-century setting.

Blurred Norms and Family Dynamics

O’Farrell provides an insightful look into the rigid social and gender norms of the 1580s, yet she allows Agnes and her twins, Judith and Hamnet, to blur these roles. This modern twist on the historical family dynamic makes the narrative feel surprisingly fresh and immersive for a 2026 audience.

The Haunting Relevance of the Plague

The descriptions of the plague’s spread are both frightening and poetic. While our own recent global experiences have made us more familiar with the concept of a pandemic, O’Farrell’s account of the plague’s "claiming nature" of the human body is uniquely visceral. It adds a layer of tension that makes the inevitable tragedy feel even more urgent.

Why It Earned the 2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction

The poetic nature of the writing is reminiscent of the Shakespearean era without being overly complex or inaccessible. Because we know the historical tragedy that inspired the play Hamlet, reading this book feels like uncovering a story in reverse. We commend O’Farrell for the immense research that clearly went into this fictionalised but deeply meaningful account of loss.

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Join the Discussion

We are so happy we came across this book and would highly recommend it to any member of our community. If you love discussing modern classics, consider joining The Book Resort Book Club to share your thoughts on our latest reads.

As the Bard might say—Readith more bookith!

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