Maggie O'Farrell has written an exceptionally beautiful book. Hamnet is a superb historical fiction about the often forgotten members of Shakespeare's family. Yes, the story is about Shakespeare but it's also not really about him.

Instead, the book is told from the perspective of his son, Hamnet, and his wife, Agnes. The book is about family, motherhood, dealing with the loss of a child and living with a grief that will never disappear. Maggie O'Farrell writes about grief so beautifully, so tenderly, and in such a realistic way.

The prose throughout is lyrically and beautifully written. The descriptions, of often mundane things, are evocative and emotive. The ending is poignant and left me with goosebumps running up my arms.

When so much has been said about Shakespeare's life, this was a captivating way to imagine the life of his wife and children.

I highly recommend Hamnet for historical fiction lovers, or anyone who enjoys a superbly written character driven book.