Hamnet was the name of William Shakespeare's son who died, possibly of the plague, during childhood. O'Farrell went on the few details she available to her to create a story about what the loss of their son might have done to Shakespeare and his wife. The author definitely nailed how I would imagine it must feel as a mother to lose a child. She also focused on how a twin might feel after the loss of his or her twin.
The book was interesting. I thought there would be a few more details about what life might have been like during the plague in the late 1500s in England. I learned how the plague was transmitted and that theaters and other public places were closed, but not much else.
The story moved a little too slowly most of the time, although sometime it moved ahead at a good pace. I'm not sure I would have had the patience to stick with it if I didn't think I'd have someone to discuss it with. I think it will make a good discussion. There's lots to talk about, from author's purpose and writing style to plot points. I would definitely recommend this historical fiction novel for a book club.
(And you don't have to be a Shakespeare fan to appreciate it.)
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