Shame on Booker Judges

Read other reviews if seeking plot content. Listening to this novel without any preparation was deliberate and it was the best thing I did. I also listened to 'Hamnet' (and also read the book) before the Women's Prize for Fiction announced Maggie O'Farell/'Hamnet' as the winner. It was no surprise that this very special book won. It was a surprise - and a massive disappointment that the Booker judges overlooked it. Why I cannot fathom. This novel has a rare concept, integrity and a superb control of language - poetic and narrative. Whilst the novel is based on all too few historical facts it is entirely credible. It was acted as a wonderful alterative, challenging the assumptions of centuries and scholars galore. That this is done with such creative sureness and emotional power (and seeming truth) was a wholly satisfying experience. I wept reading this book and happily admit it, but best not to say at what point that happened. If I had cash to spare I would buy multiple copies of this book and gift them as gifts so sure I am that its appeal is wide. All I can do here is to recommend the novel without any hesitation. I enjoyed the performance of Daisy Donovan too.

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4 people found this helpful

slow start but draws the reader in

A beautiful, lyrically told exploration of the woman whose husband left her the "second best bed' and her experience of love and loss. Shakespeare is unnamed throughout which leaves Anne and her son to appear centre stage. The climax and resolution, her final understanding of her husband's loss and the wonderment of his ability to create life on stage brings this thoughtful book of inner landscapes to a perfect end. I absolutely loved it.

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3 people found this helpful

Exceptional

What an amazing book telling the back story of such a famous play in a truly wonderful way. I just loved it.

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2 people found this helpful

Now in my top 10...

Absolutely loved this book... Maggie O'Farrell is an genius with words. A bitter-sweet, heartfelt story.

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1 person found this helpful

So moving. Her masterpiece!

Completely satisfying, original and moving blend of fiction and historical fact. Wonderful reading by Daisy Donovan who conveyed the perfect blend of dignity, mystery and vulnerability to the beautifully written central character of Agnes.

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1 person found this helpful

Hammet

I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to this story. It captured my imagination and I pictured the characters as I listened. This was recommended by a friend and I’m so glad that I followed up on it. The story was very well read and the character voices in my opinion was done really well without trying to impersonate the actual beings.

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Very good

Very good story and characters. Great voice performance. Not just for lovers of Shakespeare. Amazing to see in to 15th century life in a fresh way.

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Beautiful literary historical fiction

If you like British history at the time of the renaissance and you like Shakespeare, then you'll love this. If you liked Wolf Hall, then you'll like this. Even if you don't know Shakespeare well at all, then it will be just as enjoyable for you, because of the universal themes of married relationships, the joy of children and dealing with grief. You don't need to be familiar with Shakespeare's work for this to speak to you.

Told through various perspectives, but mostly of Shakespeare's wife, we follow the family through various points in their life and the author explores the thoughts and feelings of both Anne, her husband and their family during these significant moments.

The style is clear but also subtle, the characterisaton is convincing and the structure works so well, moving forward and backward in time so the reader feels they know the family thoroughly. Deeply moving throughout most of it, and with a very clear insight into the link between the son and the play Hamlet at the end (when actually it is unclear why Shakespeare named that play after his son) , it makes a really satisfying read.

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Wow! A brilliant listen.

Absolutely loved listening to this audio book. it has left me wanting to find out more about this amazing family and period in time. For anyone who enjoys historical fiction/ biographies or not!

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Involving and enjoyable

I really enjoyed this. The time went too quickly / it just slipped away as I was so lost in the book.
The narrator does struggle with male voices, but the book is so overwhelming that it doesn’t matter.
I studied Shakespeare and I know Stratford on Avon well- this brought it all to life in an entrancing tale. Loved it .

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