NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD WINNER • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Dive into the pages of Hamnet, where the life of one of history's greatest playwrights intersects with profound familial love and loss. Author Maggie O'Farrell crafts a luminous tale that explores the bond between a husband and wife amidst societal turmoil and personal tragedy.
Set in England, 1580, the backdrop of the Black Death looms ominously, threatening everyone’s existence—yet life’s tenderness remains. Meet a young Latin tutor, penniless and battered by his past, who stumbles upon Agnes, a remarkable woman known for her unmatched healing abilities and her fiery spirit. O'Farrell's narrative unfurls as their love blossoms, filled with eccentricities and shared dreams, positioning them at the heart of a story that is both universal and uniquely Shakespearian.
Their union, vibrant yet imperiled, is challenged when grief strikes. A beloved son succumbs to fever, and the loss becomes a catalyst for powerful emotions that reverberate through their lives. As Shakespeare’s career on the London stage ascends, his family's struggles come to a head, demanding a reckoning with love and loss.
This evocative novel, soon to be adapted into a major motion picture with renowned stars including Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, stands as a tribute not just to Shakespeare but to the human condition itself. If you cherish beautifully written literary fiction that deeply resonates, Hamnet is a must-read that will transport you to a time of beauty and heartache.
With rich prose and stirring imagery, O'Farrell’s novel invites readers to reflect on the costs of artistry, the suffocating grip of grief, and the unwavering bonds of family. Don’t miss out on this exquisite exploration of life, loss, and legacy.
