A brilliant read. A fictional story built around Shakespeare's wife and family. Very well researched regarding the customs and life at the time. The story defines the role of Shakespeare's son in the family and deals with the heartbreaking death of Hamnett in a way that will resonate with every family who have lost a child.

It is quite simply a masterpiece in historical fiction. I truly enjoyed it from start to finish. I don't think you can be disappointed by this book, I simply urge you to pick up a copy and enjoy the beauty of Hamnet. Shakespeare's family story told from the perspective of his wife Agnes.

I read few books written by women, Hillary Mantel is the exception. I purchased Hamnet on Waterstones recommendation, and am delighted to say this is a book i will reread periodically. The book contains a wonderful heroine, Hamnet's Mother. Although built around the life of our most famous writer, his presence is only strong for the first 20% and last 10% of the story. For most of the time his presence is ethereal. The other characters are vividly drawn, as are the locations. Reading about the act of love making and birth from a woman's perspective was illuminating. This book is set in my favourite historic period, the sixteenth century, it enraptures the heart in many wonderful but also testing ways. Bravo Maggie O'Farrell. Paul Green

I fell in love with this book. O'Farrell writes with so much care and creates a completely real and complex world. As a big Shakespeare fan, Hamnet offers insight on who the man was, the father, son and husband before the poet and playwright, a side which is often unseen. Though it must be said that Agnes was my favourite.

Once I began reading Hamnet i could not put it down. It was so enjoyable to explore the short life of this little boy, and it was a joy to be immersed in the environment that produced one of the greatest writes in the world. The best part about this story is Maggie O'Farrell's portrayal of a mothers grief. The intensity of her loss leaped from the pages and devoured me. Once i finished the story i could not let go of Agnes' grief. It sat with me and still does when I think about it. That is the power of a successful story.