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April book club: Hamnet, by Maggie O'Farrell

finelinefineline Shipmate, Host Emeritus
in Heaven
Our April book club book is Hamnet (published as Hamnet and Judith in Canada), by Maggie O'Farrell.

There is a Guardian review of it here, though depending how much you like to know about a novel before you start reading, you might prefer to wait till you've read the book before reading it. I haven't read the book yet, but I watched the film, and am curious how similar it is to the book.

Comments

  • SarasaSarasa All Saints Host
    I've read this, and not quite sure if I've have time for a re-read. I'll try and watch the film instead.
  • MaryLouiseMaryLouise Shipmate, Host Emeritus
    Wonderful, I read this last month and am looking forward to talking about it.
  • MiliMili Shipmate
    I started reading early and am nearly finished. I had read the story-line beforehand to see if I wanted to see the movie. I decided I might find a movie a bit depressing, but am finding the book engaging. It should be an interesting discussion.
  • CaissaCaissa Shipmate
    I read it about a year or so ago. Looking forward to re-read when a copy arrives from Interlibrary Loan. I mistakenly believed I owned the book. Ms. C and I looked in all of the logical and some illogical places but it appears I borrowed a library copy previously.
  • Gamma GamalielGamma Gamaliel Shipmate
    I read it a good while back and enjoyed it.

    I liked the film too.

    It's full of implausibilities but who cares?

    Ian MacKellen it seems. He slated it.

    Sure, she wouldn't have given birth in the woods and would likely have seen plays performed by travelling players in Stratford but so what?

    It's engagingly written and packs a punch.

    The film is more 'manipulative' and milks the emotion but I can forgive it that. The performances are extraordinary.
  • Cheery GardenerCheery Gardener Shipmate
    I will dig out my copy and join in this month. I only read this in the last few years and will enjoy a re-read.
  • SparrowSparrow Shipmate
    I bought it a couple of years ago and it was on my "to read" pile until recently when I went to see the film (good but not as overwhemingly wonderful as many people seem to think!)

    I dug the book out afterwards but I could only get beyond the first few pages when I realised it was written in the "historic present" which I can't get on with at all.

  • TrudyTrudy Shipmate, Host Emeritus
    I really loved the book when I read it a few years ago. I haven't seen the movie yet, but will join in the discussion as best I can from my memory of the book (and might use this month to watch the film as it will certainly stir some memories).
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