Maggie O'Farrell's HAMNET - May 2026 Book Club

What book has broken your heart in the best possible way? In episode 313, we’re discussing Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), our May 2026 Book Club pick. Before we dive into this moving novel inspired by the life and loss behind Shakespeare’s Hamlet, we share our Bookish Check-in.In our discussion of Hamnet, we talk about Maggie O’Farrell’s stunning portrayal of grief, motherhood, art, and love. We discuss Agnes as such a compelling and unconventional character, the emotional power of Hamnet and Judith’s bond, and the way the novel captures both intimate family moments and sweeping questions about loss and creativity. We also share pairings, including Weyward by Amelia Hart (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm).Whether you’ve already read Hamnet or have been meaning to pick it up for years, we’d love for you to join us for this conversation.Bookish Check-in Ashley - Sally Smith’s A Case of Mice and Murder (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm)Jen - Vauhini Vara’s Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm)Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.Want to support Unabridged?The number 1 way to support us is by purchasing Bookshop.org books from our Unabridged shop. Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram or Facebook. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.