Historical Fictionistas discussion

This is our group discussion for our March read, Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell. Please be sure to mark spoilers.

I've read it a few years ago, and joined an event with the Italian translator of the novel. Incredibily, she said she wasn't enthusiastic about it and preferred other books by O'Farrell, such as I Am, I Am, I Am.

I'd like to do a re-read; let's see if I can fit it into the schedule!

I really liked this when I read it some years ago. I want to watch the film, but am waiting for it it start streaming. The author did an interview with Anne Bogel at What Should I Read Next podcast about the process of turning the book into a film.

I think what I liked most about this book is that it is not focused on Shakespeare. He's almost just in the background.

I read it a few years ago as well. I liked the prose and thought the strategy of telling so much of the story from Hamnet’s point of view allowed the author to deliver a huge emotional uppercut later on. And I loved the climax, when (view spoiler)[the text of the play was woven into the heart of the story so effectively. (hide spoiler)]. That aspect of the book was delivered well in the movie, but the other was inevitably lost.

Jasmine, can you add the book to the topic?
It should be possible by editing the title of the thread and filling the space "This topic is about..."
( I see you've done for previous discussions, so this might be just an oversight).