Maggie O'Farrell's award-winning novel, Hamnet, is a gripping tale of how a young boy inspired one of the great works of literature, Hamlet. It is the 16th century and Hamlet's sister is gravely ill, but both parents are unaware of the impending tragedy.

I had been looking forward to reading this book for a while, but was hesitant about the theme of sickness, death and grief. However, Hamnet surprised me in the best way. Before delving into the story, O'Farrell reveals the ending, which makes it more bearable. What remains is the in-between story, which is nothing less than marvelous.

The novel's narrative style is almost like a fairy tale, with elements of magical realism and a sense of wonder. It takes you through the journey of falling in love, finding a nice family, and the harsh realities of living in the 16th century. The story switches back and forth from flashbacks to the present day, leaving you wondering if there is still hope or if the inevitable tragedy will occur.

Despite the heavy themes, I found myself unable to put the book down. The immaculate structure and fairytale storytelling made it a page-turner. If you are a fan of historical fiction, this is a book that you should not miss.