46 pages • 1 hour read
Maggie O’FarrellHamnet
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, the novel alternates between the events leading up to the death of William Shakespeare's son Hamnet in 1596, and the story of how his parents met and married. The narrative explores the family's life, particularly focusing on Hamnet's illness, the efforts to heal him, and the aftermath of his death, culminating in the creation of the play Hamlet. The book touches on themes of bereavement and illness.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet receives widespread acclaim for its poignant prose and emotional depth, skillfully blending historical fiction with intimate family drama. Critics laud its exploration of grief and loss, though some note a languid pace. Overall, it captivates with its rich character development and evocative atmosphere.
Who Should Read Hamnet?
Readers who enjoy literary historical fiction rich in emotional depth and lyrical prose would appreciate Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet. Comparable to Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall and Geraldine Brooks' Year of Wonders, it appeals to those interested in Shakespearean history and intimate family narratives.