Syria marks a year since the fall of Bashar al-Assad

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.

The Secret Agent is a novel by Joseph Conrad, published in 1907. It follows the story of Adolf Verloc, a secret agent working for a foreign embassy, who is tasked with instigating a terrorist act to provoke a government crackdown on anarchists. The novel explores themes of politics, domestic life, and the psychological depths of its characters.