Books Like Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

When Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet was published in 2020, it quickly became one of the most talked-about historical novels of the decade. The book tells the fictionalised story of William Shakespeare’s family and the death of his son Hamnet, shifting the focus away from the famous playwright and towards Agnes (Anne Hathaway), Hamnet’s fiercely intuitive mother.

Beautifully written, quietly devastating, and deeply human, Hamnet explores grief, motherhood, family bonds, and the ways tragedy can shape art. If you loved the lyrical writing, historical setting, and emotional depth of O’Farrell’s novel, here are some other books that capture a similar atmosphere.

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

If you were captivated by the historical setting and themes of plague in Hamnet, Year of Wonders is a perfect next read.

Set in 1666, the novel follows a small English village that voluntarily quarantines itself when the bubonic plague arrives. Through the eyes of Anna Frith, a young housemaid, the story explores courage, superstition, community, and survival during one of history’s most terrifying epidemics. Like Hamnet, it blends historical detail with intimate emotional storytelling and places a strong woman at the centre of the narrative.

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell

If what you loved most about Hamnet was Maggie O’Farrell’s immersive writing style, then her later novel The Marriage Portrait should be at the top of your reading list.

Set in Renaissance Italy, the story follows Lucrezia de’ Medici, a teenage duchess trapped in a political marriage. From the very beginning we know her fate: within a year of her wedding, she will be dead. The novel unravels the mystery behind her death while painting a vivid portrait of power, danger, and the constraints placed on women in history.

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

For readers who were deeply moved by the themes of grief and loss in Hamnet, Lincoln in the Bardo offers a haunting and unforgettable experience.

Inspired by the death of Abraham Lincoln’s young son Willie, the novel takes place over a single night in a graveyard, where spirits linger between life and death. Told through a chorus of voices, it explores the overwhelming grief of a parent and the strange, surreal spaces where mourning takes us.

Like Hamnet, it transforms a real historical tragedy into a powerful meditation on love and loss.

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

If you enjoyed the gothic atmosphere and literary tone of Hamnet, The Thirteenth Tale is another beautifully written novel steeped in mystery and family history.

When a reclusive author invites Margaret Lea to write her biography, long-buried secrets begin to surface. As Margaret uncovers the truth about the writer’s childhood, she is forced to confront hidden ghosts in both their lives.

This is a story full of atmosphere, layered storytelling, and haunting family secrets—perfect for readers who enjoy literary historical fiction.

A Mercy by Toni Morrison

If you appreciated the emotional intensity and historical depth of Hamnet, Toni Morrison’s A Mercy is a powerful novel worth exploring.

Set in the late 1600s, the story follows several characters connected through slavery and colonial expansion in early America. Morrison’s lyrical prose and focus on human relationships create a deeply moving story about family, survival, and the legacy of trauma.

Like Hamnet, it’s a relatively short novel that packs an enormous emotional punch.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

While set in a very different time period, Station Eleven shares some fascinating thematic parallels with Hamnet.

The novel follows a group of actors and musicians travelling through a post-pandemic world, preserving art and theatre after civilization collapses. At its heart is the idea that storytelling and art help us process grief and preserve our humanity—an idea that also resonates strongly in O’Farrell’s novel.

Discover Your Next Favourite Book

If you loved Hamnet, chances are you enjoy beautifully written historical fiction with emotional depth.

At The Book Boxes, we specialise in personalised book subscriptions, where every book is carefully selected based on your reading preferences. Whether you love historical fiction, literary novels, or emotionally powerful stories like Hamnet, we’ll help you discover your next favourite read.

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