Our most recent Book Club meeting took place this week with a lively group of seven participants. The atmosphere was warm and conversational, and despite the small number, the discussion proved rich, reflective, and highly engaging. The selected book for this session was Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, a novel that inspired thoughtful debate and emotional responses from everyone around the table.

We opened the evening with a brief recap of the novel. Hamnet is a beautifully crafted work of historical fiction centred on the life and death of Hamnet Shakespeare, the only son of William Shakespeare. Although Shakespeare himself remains a largely peripheral figure in the book, O’Farrell focuses instead on Agnes (often known as Anne Hathaway), reimagined here as a perceptive, intuitive woman deeply connected to the natural world. The narrative moves between timelines, portraying the couple’s early courtship, the dynamics of their family life, and the devastating loss of their son to an illness that bears striking parallels to the plague. Much of the story explores grief, resilience, and the ways in which personal tragedy can resonate through art — implicitly suggesting Hamnet as the emotional root of Hamlet.

Participants noted how O’Farrell’s lyrical prose and imaginative reconstruction of Agnes’s inner life offered a refreshing perspective on a period often dominated by Shakespeare’s towering presence. Some found the shifting timelines particularly effective, while others felt they occasionally disrupted the story’s momentum. Still, there was universal appreciation for the novel’s emotional depth and its sensitive handling of bereavement. Several readers also remarked on the vivid, tactile descriptions that brought the Elizabethan world to life.

Looking ahead, the group voted on the next book selection and chose The Road to Little Dribbling: More Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson. This humorous travelogue sees Bryson retracing, in his own quirky fashion, the routes and curiosities of Britain nearly two decades after his much-loved Notes from a Small Island. With his trademark wit, affectionate cynicism, and keen eye for odd detail, Bryson offers reflections on modern British life — from eccentric seaside towns to rural footpaths and overcrowded cities. The book promises a lighter, more humorous tone for our next session, while still leaving room for thoughtful commentary on national identity, change, and the delights and frustrations of everyday life.

Our next meeting is 24 February 2026, and participants have expressed great enthusiasm for diving into Bryson’s latest observations. We look forward to another enjoyable evening of discussion, laughter, and literary exploration.

DEG Book Club Rating

As part of our ongoing effort to reflect on and celebrate the books we’ve explored together, the DEG Book Club is compiling a running list of all past and current reads, complete with average star ratings (1 to 10) as given by our participants. This list will serve as a shared memory of our literary journey – and a helpful guide for anyone looking for thoughtful, diverse reading recommendations. Participants are encouraged to rate each book after our discussion and thiese are the ratings so far:

1. “Hamnet” – Maggie O’Farrell (September 25 pick) — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (average of 9)
2. “To Kill a Mocking Bird” – Harper Lee (July 25 pick) —- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (average of 8.4)
3. “The Shipping News” Annnie Proulx (May 25 pick) —- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (average of 7.75)
4. “Going Zero” Anthony Mc Carten (March 25 pick) —– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (average of 5,75)
5. “The Body” Stephen King (July 25 pick) — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (average of 5,63)