Hamnet is the story of William Shakespeare’s domestic life: his family, his small hometown, his wife, his children. But Shakespeare himself plays a minor role in Maggie O'Farrell's telling. In fact, throughout the novel he is never named. Instead, it is Agnes, his wife, whom the reader follows through the twists and turns of fate. The narrative splits into two; one thread taking us up to the events leading to Hamnet’s death, and the other leading us to the release of Shakespeare’s masterpiece, Hamlet - a common variation of his son’s name. While the narrative and characters were deeply engrossing, the settings and descriptions rich and tactile, I have always had a hard time staying invested in any fictional work that presents itself in the present tense. At times, the prose seemed forced. I am certain it was this grammatical decision rather than any shortfalling by the author. Despite this, and a dragged out climax, Hamnet fills in the details of one of the more mysterious figures of our culture with satisfying flair.