4.5 Stars Source: Library
Brief Synopsis: Set in 1580's England, Agnes is a woman who is feared but also revered for her confidence, her healing powers, and her ability to buck traditional expectations. She falls in love and marries a young playwright, they have three children, and live their lives. But when one of the children, their boy Hamnet, dies at age 11, Agnes's grief threatens to consume them all. It takes the husband writing a play titled Hamlet that instigates the process of healing.
Thought: Did I want to read this book? Well...that's a tough one. In theory I did--it was recommended by many trusted fellow readers, kept making the rounds on "the best books" lists, and I enjoy O'Farrell's writing, so what's not to love? The subject matter for one thing. This has been an incredible tough year with my kids, I've worried about their physical and mental health like never before. Was I ready to read a book about a parent losing a beloved child during a pandemic? Nope, not really. So I postponed picking this one up for many months and trusted that I would know when I was ready.
Flash forward to a few weeks ago when one of my favorite literary podcasts, Overdue Podcast, reviewed this book. They walked through the story, discussed the difficult sections but also the beauty of the tale, and it was just the prep I needed. I ordered it from the library the next day and read it within 48 hours. O'Farrell's writing in this story is just incomparable--it's subtle but moving, simple but poetic. I've never read a story about Shakespeare's life written in this manner, where he is one of the minor characters and the real story is about his family. I love Anne/Agnes for her strangeness, her strength, her heart. This will undoubtedly be one of my favorites for the year.
So, at the end of the day, yes this book deals with a very difficult subject. But the way it is handled, with such care and grace by O'Farrell, did not leave me feeling sad; in truth, I felt more hopeful than I had in some time. Trust your instincts, fellow readers! Don't be peer pressured into reading something just because everyone says you must--only you will know if and when you might be ready.
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