46 pages • 1 hour read
Hamnet
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
372
Novel • Fiction
England • 1580s
2020
Adult
18+ years
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.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
337,092 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
337,092 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
372
Novel • Fiction
England • 1580s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.