Hamnet

Hamnet was William Shakespeare's son. Little is known about his life, other than that he died of the plague while still a child. In this novel, the author imagines a history of Shakespeare and his family. It is loosely based on real life, but is a work of fiction rather than any attempt at accuracy. Shakespeare himself is never named. However, he is a main character. (This can make it somewhat difficult to follow who is who.) The book focuses on his life and relationship with his spouse. His spouse is portrayed as somebody not very interested in his work - even to the extent of being upset that their dead son is portrayed as "Hamlet". He was heavily involved with his job, however, the couple does eventually find peace together. This is a 21st century perspective of 16th century life. It almost intentionally pulls the "people's history" approach of avoiding most "real history" to tell a familial love story.