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What Members Thought
Another excellent book by Maggie O'Farrell. This is the type of book which we regret when it comes to the end.
4* The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox
4* After You'd Gone
4.5* Hamnet
TR The Hand That First Held Mine ...more
4* The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox
4* After You'd Gone
4.5* Hamnet
TR The Hand That First Held Mine ...more
I know I'm very late to this show, but, WOW! Exquisite writing weaves a heart wrenching story.
I decided it took me so long to read this thin volume because it was as rich as a Devil's cake - so rich that I could only a small portion at one time. Magnificent! ...more
I decided it took me so long to read this thin volume because it was as rich as a Devil's cake - so rich that I could only a small portion at one time. Magnificent! ...more
Close to a perfect book. The writing is lyrical and the descriptions vivid. Each word and phrase is chosen with care. It's like reading a poem. The story unfolds easily and naturally. All of the characters are beautifully rendered. This is a book I could read again and again.
Despite it's sad subject, it's strangely life-affirming.
I was so impressed with Maggie O'Farrell's writing, I went back and read some of her earlier books, but none of them come close to the near perfection of Hamnet. Possib ...more
Despite it's sad subject, it's strangely life-affirming.
I was so impressed with Maggie O'Farrell's writing, I went back and read some of her earlier books, but none of them come close to the near perfection of Hamnet. Possib ...more
Dec 24, 2020
Tensy (bookdoyen)
rated it
really liked it
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review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction
In this reimagining of William and Agnes (Anne) Shakespeare's early life in Stratford-upon-Avon, Maggie O'Farrell has created an atmospheric story that would have been better title "Agnes." While the story deals with the short life and death of Hamnet, their son, most of the novel revolves around Agnes. The writing is beautiful and filled with period details. There is very little known about Shakespeare's life and O'Farrell uses this novel to fabricate Agnes's and Williams marriage. The parts th
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I loved this book. I found it poetic and contemplative. I see that other reviewers did not like the 3rd person POV, or the use of the present tense, but for me it worked. I have been listening to a series of audiobooks lately, and this was the first book I actually “read” in a while. Maybe this tactual experience of holding a book helped with my enjoyment of it, but I was absorbed into its pages very early on. The narration seems to have a fast cadence, that leads to an unconventional reading sp
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Interestingly titled ‘Hamnet and Judith’ in Canada. Not sure why.
A beautifully written book which takes as its starting point a tragic but simple event - the death of Shakespeare’s only son, one of twins. This event becomes the focus of an examination of grief - how it affects us and how we deal with it.
The language is beautiful, often lapsing into something close to stream-of-consciousness as as way of capturing what is swirling in the minds of her characters. At the same time, O’Farrell nice ...more
A beautifully written book which takes as its starting point a tragic but simple event - the death of Shakespeare’s only son, one of twins. This event becomes the focus of an examination of grief - how it affects us and how we deal with it.
The language is beautiful, often lapsing into something close to stream-of-consciousness as as way of capturing what is swirling in the minds of her characters. At the same time, O’Farrell nice ...more
I really enjoyed this. But I don’t recommend it for any mother of twins. The relationship between Hamnet and Julia is so beautiful and the fallout for her very difficult to imagine. I also appreciated Anne’s initial anger and ultimate respect for her husbands grief response. If you’ve ever doubted that everyone grieves differently, read this if only for that understanding. It saddens me, though, that such strong grief ultimately resulted in the play that everyone knows and a great grief displaye
...more
Feb 04, 2020
Nancy Sirvent
marked it as to-read
Apr 22, 2020
Leslie
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May 05, 2020
Paige
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Aug 31, 2020
Tricia
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Jan 04, 2021
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Jan 26, 2021
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Mar 21, 2021
Laura
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Apr 13, 2021
Jenn
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Mar 16, 2023
Celia Lisset Alvarez
marked it as to-read
