When I picked up this novel, I was skeptical. There was so much praise for Hamnet that I had readied myself for disappointment. What I didn’t expect was to be on the verge of tears a handful of times, despite knowing the outcome.

Maggie O’Farrell’s novel is a moving and unforgettable piece about Shakespeare’s family and the weight of losing a child in the time of the plague. Agnes (better known as Anne), Judith, Susanna, and Hamnet were given personality and depth that mere documentation could never convey. Hamnet breathes life into the family behind the world’s most beloved playwright.

Though a work of fiction, I appreciate how close O’Farrell stayed to the truth. Despite not having a ton of material at her disposal, O’Farrell weaves a realistic — though occasionally mystical — version that’s both gripping and poignant.

If you’re a fan of Shakespeare or historical fiction, I highly recommend giving it a shot.

Across the Winding River centers around three narrators who become intertwined as the story progresses. Both a story of love and war, this novel has something for every historical fiction reader.

Though the story is captivating and a breeze to get through, I didn’t appreciate the two main coincidences of the plot. Some of the plot points were far too convenient, resulting in a story that felt too clean by the end.

Despite the coincidental plot threads, I really enjoyed this read. I will definitely be picking up Runyan's other work.

Molly Tanzer weaves an enticing bildungsroman centered around two young diabolists. Though Creatures of Charm and Hunger is the final book in a trilogy, the novel works just as well as a standalone piece.

Set in England nearing the end of the Second World War, the reader is confronted with what life was like during wartime… if you were part of a secret society of diabolists. Rife with interesting characters and suspense, this novel plays to both the history buff and lover of all things witchy.

If you enjoy magic realism, witchy/diabolical plots, or historical fiction, this book (and the trilogy with which it is a part) is for you.