Hamnet

"Hamnet" by Maggie O'Farrell is an amazing piece of historical fiction that shines a light on a young boy often forgotten by history - the famous playwright William Shakespeare's only son, Hamnet. A boy whose name is curiously close to that of the main character in one of his father's greatest plays.

It's a warm day in the summer of 1596 and the sun is shining in the peaceful town of Stratford-upon-Avon, but all is not well. Judith, a young local girl, has suddenly fallen ill and is plagued by a horrid fever. Her twin brother, Hamnet, is worried and searches all over for help. Their mother, Agnes, is miles away collecting medicinal herbs in her private garden and their father is far away in London for work. Neither parent could possibly anticipate that one of their children would not survive the week.

"Hamnet" is a portrait of a family in mourning following the tragic loss of a child and a captivating story of its repercussions on a marriage.

"Hamnet" by Maggie O'Farrell was immensely well-received by critics and a popular bestseller in 2021. The novel was the recipient of a variety of English and American literary awards including the 2020 Women's Prize for Fiction.