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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD “Of all the stories that argue and speculate about Shakespeare’s life ... here is a novel ... so gorgeously written that it transports you." —The Boston GlobeEngland, 1580: The Black Death creeps across the land, an ever-present threat, infecting the healthy, the sick, the old and the young alike. The end of days is near, but life always goes on. A young Latin tutor—penniless and bullied by a violent father—falls in love with an extraordinary, eccentric young woman. Agnes is a wild creature who walks her family’s land with a falcon on her glove and is known throughout the countryside for her unusual gifts as a healer, understanding plants and potions better than she does people. Once she settles with her husband on Henley Street in Stratford-upon-Avon, she becomes a fiercely protective mother and a steadfast, centrifugal force in the life of her young husband, whose career on the London stage is just taking off when his beloved young son succumbs to sudden fever.

Title: Hamnet

Author: Maggie O'Farrell

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publication Date: 2020

Synopsis:

Hamnet is a novel that tells the story of Agnes Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare, and their son, Hamnet. The book is set in Stratford-upon-Avon in the 16th century and follows the family as they navigate the challenges of love, loss, and grief. Agnes is a strong and independent woman who is fiercely protective of her family. She is also a talented healer and herbalist. Hamnet is a curious and intelligent boy who loves to explore the world around him. William is a brilliant playwright who is struggling to balance his career with his family life.

The novel begins with the death of Hamnet, who dies of the plague at the age of 11. Agnes is devastated by her son's death and she struggles to come to terms with her grief. William is also deeply affected by Hamnet's death, but he is able to channel his grief into his work. He writes a number of plays that are inspired by his son, including Hamlet and King Lear.

Hamnet is a beautifully written and moving novel that tells a powerful story of love, loss, and resilience. The novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who is interested in the life of William Shakespeare.

Critical Reception:

Hamnet has received widespread critical acclaim. The novel was a finalist for the 2020 Booker Prize and the 2021 Women's Prize for Fiction. It was also named one of the best books of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and NPR.

Awards and Honors:

- Shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize

- Shortlisted for the 2021 Women's Prize for Fiction

- Named one of the best books of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and NPR