Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell is the fictionalised story of Hamnet, the son of English playwright William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes (Anne) Hathaway. Little is known of Hamlet's life except that he had an elder sister, Susanna, a twin sister, Judith, and he died aged 11. The author has written a beautiful account of what could have taken place. It touches the heart and brings the past to life. I couldn't help but be swept along by an emotional and deeply moving story. Characterisation was so superb that I felt as though I'd been plucked from the 21st Century and dropped straight into the 16th; such was the vivid picture of Elizabethan England. This was a truly wonderful read which will stay in my thoughts for a very long time.

What an achievement. To take a name so famous and weave the story of that person's life. I was moved to tears multiple times while reading. I shall be recommending this to anyone who will listen!

This was the first Maggie O’Farrell book that I have read and I loved it so much that I read it twice back to back. Her prose is flowing and draws you into the story. You really develop a sense of each character and feel empathy for them. I have since ordered other books by Maggie on the advice of my local Waterstones staff and have not been disappointed.

I loved "Hamnet'! A real treat for lovers of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'; this gives a really good insight in to Shakespeare's family life. Beautifully written.

So well written. Fabulous!