It is the 1580s and Hamnet's twin sister has fallen ill.  When he tries to find help, no one is around.  Told in alternating timelines, this novel explores how Hamnet's parents met and the harrowing week that Hamlet experiences.

Although it did take me a little while to get into, I ended up really enjoying Hamnet.  I like how the author doesn't try to capitalize on the fact that the book is about Shakespeare's son.  While you do know that it is Shakespeare, he is never mentioned by name.  This allows for the emphasis to be put on the other characters and their stories.  Despite being written in third person, the characters' emotions come through so clearly.  O'Farrell's writing is absolutely beautiful.