Book Club Meets: Grief, women in history, and Elizabethan magic, with Maggie O’Farrell

Book Club Meets: Grief, women in history, and Elizabethan magic, with Maggie O’Farrell

Author: Fearne Cotton February 5, 2026 Duration: 29:38

You might have recently seen Hamnet at the cinema, but did you read the book along with the Happy Place Book Club in January?


In this chat, Fearne and author Maggie O’Farrell talk about how Jessie Buckley’s award-winning performance brought Agnes to life in the film, why it’s vital to remember women’s place in history, and why Maggie chose not to name Shakespeare in the book.


Maggie uses her intuition when she’s writing, and talks about why she doesn’t really plan what voice or tense to style she’s going to write in.


Plus, Maggie reveals some of the Elizabethan pursuits she took up during her research phase, including flying Kestrels and making herbal cold remedies... And Fearne reads out what she reckons is "the sexiest paragraph ever written"!


Thank you to Tinder Press for use of the Hamnet audiobook, narrated by Jessie Buckley.


If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:


Book Club Meets: Nussaibah Younis


Book Club Meets: Elizabeth Day


Book Club Meets: Elizabeth Gilbert


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In a world that often feels loud and demanding, Happy Place offers a different kind of conversation. Here, Fearne Cotton sits down with a wide range of fascinating people-from artists and athletes to experts and everyday heroes-to explore the nuanced realities of human experience. These discussions gently peel back the layers on topics like mental resilience, physical well-being, cultural shifts, and the complexities of our relationships, moving far beyond simple soundbites. The core of this podcast lies in its authentic curiosity about how individuals navigate life's inevitable highs and lows. Rather than prescribing a single path to joy, each episode uncovers personal definitions of contentment and peace, often found in unexpected moments or hard-won perspectives. Listening feels like being part of a thoughtful, intimate dialogue where vulnerability is welcomed and stories are shared without pretense. Whether the conversation touches on overcoming loss, finding creative inspiration, or building a healthier society, Fearne guides it with empathy and a genuine desire to understand. This collection of interviews provides a quiet space for reflection, reminding us that happiness is not a constant state but a deeply personal and evolving journey. Tune in for a sincere exploration of what it means to live fully across all facets of life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Happy Place
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