A review by colourfulthreads
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

challenging emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This book has been on my to-read list a long time. As an avid Shakespeare reader and theater lover I was looking forward to it. I did appreciate the beautifully descriptive and lyrical writing. The plot is extremely straightforward and the character development, if it happens, is merely hinted at. Agnes is far too patient and understanding for me to relate to, and Shakespeare, her absent partner, is never named. I mostly felt sorry reading about a young child who I knew was going to die.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings