By Any Other Name: A Novel

4.3 | 2,607 ratings

Price: 14.99

Last update: 09-17-2024

About this item

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the co-author of Mad Honey comes an “inspiring” (Elle) novel about two women, centuries apart—one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays—who are both forced to hide behind another name.

“You’ll fall in love with Emilia Bassano, the unforgettable heroine based on a real woman that Picoult brings vividly to life in her brilliantly researched new novel.”—Kristin Hannah, author of The Women

Young playwright Melina Green has just written a new work inspired by the life of her Elizabethan ancestor Emilia Bassano. But seeing it performed is unlikely, in a theater world where the playing field isn’t level for women. As Melina wonders if she dares risk failure again, her best friend takes the decision out of her hands and submits the play to a festival under a male pseudonym.

In 1581, young Emilia Bassano is a ward of English aristocrats. Her lessons on languages, history, and writing have endowed her with a sharp wit and a gift for storytelling, but like most women of her day, she is allowed no voice of her own. Forced to become a mistress to the Lord Chamberlain, who oversees all theatre productions in England, Emilia sees firsthand how the words of playwrights can move an audience. She begins to form a plan to secretly bring a play of her own to the stage—by paying an actor named William Shakespeare to front her work.

Told in intertwining timelines, By Any Other Name, a sweeping tale of ambition, courage, and desire centers two women who are determined to create something beautiful despite the prejudices they face. Should a writer do whatever it takes to see her story live on . . . no matter the cost? This remarkable novel, rooted in primary historical sources, ensures the name Emilia Bassano will no longer be forgotten.

Kristin Hannah says you’ll fall in love with Emilia Bassano.

There once was a girl who became invisible so that her words might not be.

Top reviews from the United States

Samuel Rafael

An amazing book!

Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2024

I have read most of Jodi Picoult’s novels, which should tell you something about my enjoyment of her work. However, her latest novel, “By Any Other Name,” surpasses all her earlier efforts, which is truly remarkable. As always, Picoult’s research is thorough, but this time she has truly outdone herself. While I cannot verify the accuracy of her references to Shakespeare as a writer and actor, the intricacies of his plays and sonnets, or the historical details of the 16th century, they are seamlessly integrated into this captivating novel and feel authentic.

There are so many aspects of this book that I loved. The narrative flows effortlessly, guiding the reader through the life, loves, and struggles of a remarkable woman who, in another era, might have been celebrated and renowned. Picoult skillfully intertwines the past and present, from the Elizabethan era’s “Emilia” to the modern-day “Molina,” a young woman whose lineage traces back to Emilia. The novel poignantly explores the enduring challenges faced by women across centuries. As a male reader, I found this book particularly enlightening. I was deeply moved by the experiences of these women and the supportive men who understood and stood by them.

R. Andrea

Great Story; Not So Great Storytelling

Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2024

“I believe we can help each other. You wish for everyone to know your name. I wish for no one to know mine.”

Outstanding historical fiction, with sides of literature, romance, and humor. With a slight blush of fantasy. Two novels and a play interlace. From such limited and dubious sources as an astrologer’s diary, Picoult creates a fully realized, sympathetic Elizabethan protagonist. A Shakespearean tragicomedy of errors, mistaken identities, and star-crossed lovers. Picoult expands her reputation.

“Your play isn’t about history. What happened to Emilia is still happening, every day.”

This who-really-wrote-Shakespeare theory works better than most. Certainly more entertaining. Like The Da Vinci Code, Picoult wraps her advocacy in fiction. Better fiction than Brown’s. Modern parallel story is equally satisfying and frustrating—intentionally—despite it being her hand puppet for data dumps and lectures.

"Explosives. Opioids. Nuclear weapons. None of them could hold a candle to hope, the most dangerous commodity in the world."

Loved the story but miss the subtlety of Picoult’s earlier works. Could be dozens of pages shorter if Picoult resisted the urge to explain everything. Occasionally two or three times. To assure you get it, she underlines key points. Let the reader figure it out. The first hundred pages are the worst, so stick with it. Wanted to rate it higher—even read the book a second time—but while the story is great the storytelling isn’t quite.

“I can’t believe you’re quoting Shakespeare to convince me.” “I’m quoting Emilia Bassano.” “Just think, two weeks ago you only wanted a play produced. Now you want biblical vengeance.” “I’m an overachiever.”

Quibbles? The veneer over her agenda is occasionally transparent. Of course it’s agenda-driven; isn’t most art? (Agenda are like noses: we all have them but see our own less than others.) Even though I agree with some of her polemics, they’re still polemics. Hard sell; Soft pornography; coarse language. You’re warned.

"Being named was important. It gave you credit for the work you put into the world, but it also held you responsible for your words and deeds when you hurt the people you loved, even inadvertently."

Margaret Hejmanowski

AMAZING!!!

Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2024

I love all things Jodi Picoult and this does not disappoint!! This is written in a dual timeline as many of Ms. Picoult's books are. We have two play writers. One current; Melina Green, writing a play about her Elizabethan ancestor Emilia Bassano. She wants to get his play performed. She is still finding that in this day and age, females are still not taken seriously. In 1581 Emilia Bassano, finds out how words of a play write can make you feel, and move an audience. She secretly starts to write a play of her own. She secretly meets with William Shakespeare, to use his name to get her play to the stage. We learn that Shakespeare did not write all the plays that he is credited with. A very eye opening story. Love the plot, great settings, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Jodi Picoult.

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