William Shakespeare remains a mysterious figure, despite having written some of the best-known plays in the English language.

In fact, until British author Maggie O'Farrell's prize-winning novel came out, many of her friends — even other writers and literature experts — knew nothing about his son.

That son's name was Hamnet, and he died at the age of 11, shortly before Shakespeare wrote what O'Farrell considers his best play, Hamlet. (In Shakespearean times, she explains, these were effectively the same name.)

"In the act of calling this play, and the character — and the ghost — after his dead son, he briefly comes into focus for us," O'Farrell says. "You can see him, just for a moment, as a natural human being, as a grieving father."

Listen back to this week's episode of the Book Show to hear the author tell Claire Nichols about her critically acclaimed novel.

And there's plenty more in this week's newsletter – from the sobering reality of future car travel to an episode of science comedy quiz The Pop Test featuring our very own Norman Swan.

Until next time,
Rosie Ryan, digital editor

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