A review by ophelia_reads
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

challenging dark emotional inspiring sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

First third felt slow. Second third was painful but powerful. The ending was gorgeous and felt like a great payoff for the time spent on the first two thirds. This was my first Maggie O’Farrell book and it makes me want to read more. Her protagonist (not the title character) is thoughtfully crafted and easy to empathize with. I love how she handled Shakespeare, the character  who I expected to dominate the narrative (I was wrong.) 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings