

#1892
Mentioned in 19 episodes
Hamnet
Book • 2020
The novel is set in Warwickshire in the late 16th century and revolves around the life of Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, and their children.
It fictionalizes the events surrounding the death of their son Hamnet, who died of the plague in 1596 at the age of eleven.
The story delves into the grief and emotional turmoil faced by the family, especially Agnes, and how this tragedy influenced Shakespeare's writing, including his play 'Hamlet'.
The narrative alternates between different timelines, exploring Agnes's early life, her marriage, and the years following Hamnet's death.
The book is a poignant study of motherhood, childhood, and the depths of grief, offering a vivid portrayal of family life during the Tudor period.
It fictionalizes the events surrounding the death of their son Hamnet, who died of the plague in 1596 at the age of eleven.
The story delves into the grief and emotional turmoil faced by the family, especially Agnes, and how this tragedy influenced Shakespeare's writing, including his play 'Hamlet'.
The narrative alternates between different timelines, exploring Agnes's early life, her marriage, and the years following Hamnet's death.
The book is a poignant study of motherhood, childhood, and the depths of grief, offering a vivid portrayal of family life during the Tudor period.
Mentioned by






















Mentioned in 19 episodes
Mentioned by 

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Matt Belloni

53 snips
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Mentioned by Parul as one of ![undefined]()

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34 snips
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30 snips
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28 snips
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as a wonderful writer, mentioning Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait.

Bob Davis

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Discussed throughout the conversation, focusing on its cinematic adaptation and themes.

13 snips
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Mentioned by 

as an episode featuring novelist Maggie O'Farrell.


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Mentioned by 

when discussing movies coming out in 2026.


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Mentioned by 

as a film she and ![undefined]()

saw early and enjoyed.


Taylor Antrim

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Recommended by MJ Franklin as one of the best books of 2020 and the source of Chloe Zhao’s new movie.

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Mentioned by 

as the novel on which the movie is based, written by Maggie O'Farrell.


Aisha Harris

Hamnet
Mentioned by Chloe Zhao as the novel by Maggie O'Farrell on which her film about Shakespeare is based.

Chloé Zhao on “Hamnet,” Her Film About William Shakespeare’s Grief
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book considered as a gift for a book club member who enjoys diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Meredith Amadee

Ep 502: Choosing book gifts your friends will love
Mentioned by 

when discussing the life of William Shakespeare's son Hamnet.


Suzannah Lipscomb

Shakespeare's Daughter, Judith



