Chloe Zhao’s highly anticipated film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s critically acclaimed 2020 novel, Hamnet, officially hits theaters in North America on December 12th. If you’re one of the lucky few who were able to catch an early screening at a nearby film festival and are now on the hunt for your next Shakespeare-inspired read or watch, or if you’ve been a fan of the book for years and have been scouring the shelves for a book that will bring you all the same feelings Hamnet did, then fear not. We have the perfect list for you. Read ahead to discover seven must-read novels that will bring you the same emotions and transport you to faraway lands of long ago, the same way Hamnet did — and yes, there are plenty of Shakespearean retellings coming right up.
Curiosities by Anne Fleming
Similar to Hamnet, the Plague also plays a key and devastating role in Curiosities. In this genre-bending and innovative novel, readers follow amateur historian Anne, who leads them on a journey through an underseen, underheard, and murky part of 1600s English history. And so, the story of two children — Joan and Thomasina — who became the sole survivors of their village after the Plague descended upon it, unfolds. Told through five insightful and captivating manuscripts, readers follow Joan and Tom’s centuries-old story and see how they come together, grow apart, reunite, and fall in love, and how one clergyman’s discovery cruelly changes their fate.
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
If you simply cannot get enough of Maggie O’Farrell’s writing, then follow up Hamnet with her enriching and beautiful novel, The Marriage Portrait. This part-fiction, part-nonfiction book paints a vivid and lush portrait of the young duchess, Lucrezia de’ Medici, and 1550s Florence in great detail. The Marriage Portrait follows Lucrezia, who, after the sudden death of her sister, is abruptly thrust into the spotlight and into a marriage with Alfonso, the ruler of Ferrara, Modena, and Reggio. Barely out of her teenage years and brought into a royal court that is completely unlike the Medici’s, Lucrezia must find strength and resilience to survive and overcome her confined circumstances.
Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons
Dubbed as one of the most exciting and refreshing Shakespearean retellings in recent years, Fair Rosaline is the quintessential read for anyone who has an itch for more literary works inspired by the Bard and his characters. In this reimaging of his romantic tragedy, Romeo & Juliet, Natasha Solomons places Rosaline Capulet, Juliet’s cousin and Romeo’s ex-love, front and center. This prequel to the romantic tragedy follows Rosaline racing against the clock to protect her young cousin’s fate and reputation after her whirlwind ‘romance’ with the older Romeo may turn fateful. Filled with dark subtext, lyrical writing, and timely commentary on predatory men, this female-centric retelling is one you will not want to miss.
Tenderness by Alison MacLeod
While Tenderness will transport readers to the 20th century, and not the 17th, its partly-true and partly-fictional story of how one novel challenged literary censorship and kickstarted the sexual revolution will be sure to captivate anyone who loved Hamnet’s historical fiction. Shifting from 1915 to 1960, readers first see legendary writer D. H. Lawrence fighting against his impending death to write the bold, controversial, and sensual romance novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover. It is privately published and lost to customs due to its racy nature — until 1960. In 1960, publishers across America and Britain are fighting to reprint the novel in its complete, uncensored form, and future First Lady Jackie Kennedy wholeheartedly supports the cause (incognito, of course) — until the FBI catches wind of her true identity. Evocative and laden with historical intricacies, Tenderness is the perfect follow-up read.
Dark Aemilia by Sally O’Reilly
If you find you’re not quite ready to leave Shakespeare’s world, or Shakespearean England, then pick up Sally O’Reilly’s Dark Aemilia next. In this luscious and atmospheric historical fiction novel, readers will get a glimpse into the life of poet Aemilia Lanyer, who was one of the first professional writers of her day and rumored to be the muse behind Shakespeare’s Dark Lady Sonnets. The novel follows Aemilia’s young adult years in Elizabethan England, where she embarks on an ill-fated but impassioned affair with the Bard himself, and develops her poetic prowess through her years after the Queen’s death and her fight to keep her young son, Henry, alive during London’s plague outbreak. Romantic, poetic, and enriching, Dark Aemilia is one you will not forget.
Ophelia by Lisa Klein
Lisa Klein’s Ophelia is the perfect read for anyone who prefers YA storytelling, loves a good retelling, and picked up Hamnet because of its direct connection to Shakespeare and Hamlet. This spellbinding and bold reimaging of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Hamlet, reverses roles and places Ophelia as our main character. In turn, a thrilling and captivating story of a young woman finding herself, falling in love, and using her inner strength to rewrite her treacherous fate ensues.
All Our Yesterdays by Joel H. Morris
If Hamnet left you longing for more Shakespearean drama and tragedy, then pick up a copy of Joel H. Morris’ All Our Yesterdays. This mesmerizing novel plunges readers into the world of Macbeth — ten years earlier, that is. This reimagining paints a chilling portrait of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, one decade before those fateful murders and deadly destiny catch up to the pair. Complete with commentary on what it means to be a woman in a man’s world, lyrical prose, and historical accuracy to 11th-century Scotland, All Our Yesterdays is essential reading not just for anyone who cannot let Shakespeare’s world go after Hamnet, but for all Shakespeare aficionados.
From tales of devastating plagues and witchery to introspective and thoughtful reimagings of our favorite Shakespearean characters, there is a book on this list for every reader who adored Hamnet.
Looking for more historical fiction recommendations? Check out our list of 11 Books for the Historical Fiction Lover in Your Life next!
Check out our Book to Screen Adaptations for Your Viewing and Reading Pleasure bookshelf on our Bookshop for more great reads that made it to our screens!
