Hamnet, Week 4

Welcome to the final discussion of Hamnet. 

I admit that I ended up crying while reading this last section. I think that the scene where Agnes was preparing Hamnet's body for burial was the saddest thing I have ever read. I cannot even imagine what that would be like. It's every parent's worst nightmare. I thought the descriptions of grief were so realistic. I felt all of Agnes's pain, and I felt the despair she and Shakespeare felt once they were back together. It was really sad when Shakespeare finally made it home. I can't imagine what his journey home was like. He was probably so frantic to be home, and then when he got home and realized that Hamnet, not Judith, was gone, he was probably blindsided. 

Were you surprised when Shakespeare left the family again so quickly? I don't blame Agnes for feeling confused when he said he was leaving. I understood that he needed to leave to try to escape his grief, but Agnes needed him close. It would have been nice if they could have worked through some of their grief together. 

There were a couple of things that Judith said in this section that really affected me. I was heartbroken when she asked for the word for a person that was once a twin but wasn't anymore. What a hard and insightful question. Later, she asks if her father stays away because her face looks too much like Hamnet's. That is such a big burden for such a little girl. I was glad when Susanna was tender to her and helped her to see that she isn't responsible for her father's grief. 

Near the end of the book, Agnes and Shakespeare are finally able to talk to each other and open up about their feelings. I think Agnes was surprised that Shakespeare was still struggling. Because they were so far apart, it was hard for them to see how the other person was dealing with grief. What did you think of that section? 

Shakespeare and Agnes move to a new house near the end of the book. Unfortunately, that house is not still standing. But, you can visit the site where it used to stand! Check out this website to learn more. 

What did you think of the ending? Were you surprised that the play was so healing to both Shakespeare and Agnes? It was really touching that she found so much comfort in the end of the play. Do you feel like it brought closure? Did you like the ending? Would you have changed anything about it? 

What are your final thoughts about the book? Did you enjoy it? Would you recommend it to a friend? If you liked this book and would like to read or watch similar titles, check out this list I created. Make sure to let me know if you check out anything on the list!

Before you go, check out the video below to hear Maggie O'Farrell talk about the book. What is your favorite part of the video? 

Thank you so much for following along this month! I hope you enjoyed the book. Make sure to let me know in the comments if you did! Next month, we're switching gears and reading The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden. I hope you'll come back again and read that with me!