HAMNET REVIEW

Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet is a literary feast, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds and smells of Shakespeare's Stratford's village life.

The fictional story of Hamnet unfolds in colour and depth, painted on a living canvas with vivid descriptions, bringing her characters to life.

The movement of the story from present to past requires careful attention to understand the narrative, as the various strands unravel. Farrell slows the narrative at pivotal points, adding emotional intensity by using similes and intimate detail.

The author is skilled in 'showing' the story rather than telling it.

An illustration of this approach is seen in the tense conversation between the parties negotiating the elements of Agnes' marriage. The reader is not privy to any part of the conversation, but is informed of its process and outcome by the narrator's observation of the body language of the participants.

Farrell's use of 'the narrator' or 'the third person' style, 'observing' her characters, intensifies their struggles and celebrations. The story of the 'three fleas' is another example of this approach p.

The withholding of Shakespeare's name, throughout the story, referring to him only as 'the tutor' or 'the husband', places him at the back of centre stage. Front of centre stage is his son Hamnet, a story of great grief – a tragedy. I loved Hamlet, a beautifully crafted work, fresh. Five stars.