Chloé Zhao’s film adaptation of Hamnet is about to hit theaters, and it’s based on a beautiful novel by Maggie O’Farrell. The book, which won the Women’s Prize in 2020, tells the poignant story of William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes Hathaway. It explores their deep sorrow after losing their 11-year-old son, Hamnet, to the plague in 1596.
The novel begins with young Hamnet realizing his twin sister Judith is ill and desperately searching for help, unaware that he is the one in grave danger. Shakespeare is depicted not as a larger-than-life figure but as a flawed man, often absent from home. O’Farrell focuses on Agnes, a spirited woman deeply connected to the land around her. The story moves between her early life, her marriage, and the aftermath of Hamnet’s death, which inspires Shakespeare to write Hamlet—a name that was often interchangeable with Hamnet at the time.
Jessie Buckley narrates the audiobook, bringing sensitivity and emotion to Agnes’s struggles with motherhood and her husband’s ambitions. Both O’Farrell and Buckley excel in portraying the heavy themes of love and loss woven throughout the narrative.
Interestingly, in recent discussions among literary experts, many believe that the themes of grief in Hamnet are more relevant now than ever, especially as society continues to grapple with loss during ongoing crises. A study from the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that grief and emotional distress have increased significantly during the pandemic, making stories like Hamnet resonate deeply with readers today.
Overall, Hamnet is more than just a tale of Shakespeare’s family; it’s a touching exploration of human emotion and connection, making it a timeless read.
For those interested in related works, consider checking out Flashlight by Susan Choi, which weaves a narrative of loss across continents and decades, or Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Giuffre, a powerful memoir shedding light on abuse and resilience.
