Hamnet, William Shakespeare's only son, died at the age of eleven. HAMNET is Maggie O'Farrell's imaging of the event and the months that followed. In 1580, the Black Death was surging across England. A young Latin tutor, (never named) impregnates a woman several years his senior. Called Agnes in this novel, rather than Anne, she is a woman very much of the land, adept in mixing potions to cure whatever ailed the townsmen of Stratford. The two marry.
This book is very much her story rather than her husband's. She bears three children, Hamnet is a twin to Judith and Suzanne is their elder sister. This is a story of grief, a story of learning to accept living with a husband who is gone much of the time pursuing his writing and stage career. Not until the end of the book does Agnes come to understand what it is her husband is doing in London. This allows her some peace.
There is much about William Shakespeare that is not known, including the reason for Hamnet's death. Situating it as a result of this plague makes perfect sense. O'Farrell has taken some of what is known and made it come alive.
Highly recommended.
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9 comments:
Interesting. I've pursued very little of Shakespeare's life, beyond what one picks up when reading his poetry, much less too much fiction about his life beyond some of Anthony Burgess's and scattered other bits (and the odd episode--not too many non-odd ones--of UPSTART CROW).
It's always interesting when an author fictionalizes a story. This sounds interesting. Thanks for reviewing!
I just started reading this novel, a gift from a friend.
Sound interesting to read about what might have happened to fill the gaps in historical records. - Margy
An interesting take on the Shakespeare story. I always had sympathy for his wife.
I wonder why Anne/Agnes never traveled to London to go to the theater. I'd like to read this book, and I think one of my sisters would, too. Thank you for reviewing!
She does go at the end to see HAMLET. In the 1600s it took days to get to London from Stratford. You had to go by coach or on horseback.
I think I would like this book for the picture of England in those days. The Black Death has been an interest since I read Doomsday Book by Connie Willis.
Personally, I'd stay away from these strange geniuses!
They were tough times for women.
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