I was lucky to receive an early proof of By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult at the Hay Festival this year.
Her event was sold out, understandably, but along with the free proof, her PR gifted everyone a tote bag (really gorgeous) and a pen.
The novel is set to be released this October in the UK and was published in the US and Canada in the summer.
I can already tell it’s going to be one of the standout books of the season.
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult - Book Review!
Two women, centuries apart—one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays—are forced to hide behind another name to make their voices heard.
Synopsis
In 1581, Emilia Bassano—like most young women of her day—is allowed no voice of her own. But as the Lord Chamberlain’s mistress, she has access to all theatre in England and finds a way to bring her work to the stage secretly. And yet, creating some of the world’s greatest dramatic masterpieces comes at great cost: by paying a man for the use of his name, she will write her own out of history.
In the present, playwright Melina Green has just written a new work inspired by the life of her Elizabethan ancestor, Emilia Bassano. Although the challenges are different four hundred years later, the playing field is still not level for women in theatre. Would Melina—like Emilia—be willing to forfeit her credit as the author, just for a chance to see her work performed?
Told in intertwining narratives, this sweeping tale of ambition, courage, and desire asks what price each woman is willing to pay to see her work live on—even if it means they will be forgotten.
First Impressions
I absolutely love the book cover. The proof copy, though it had a lovely cover, wasn’t as special as this one. From the outset, I knew that Jodi Picoult put a lot of well-researched background into this story. In this book, we get to discover who Picoult believes to be the true author of some of William Shakespeare’s plays and some of his sonnets. Did that just blow your mind? Well then, you really need to read this book. It will amaze you and turn history on its head.
The Dual Narratives
By Any Other Name intricately weaves together two compelling narratives. One follows Melina Green, a New Yorker and playwright who is a descendant of Emilia Bassano. The second narrative takes us back to the 1500s, where Emilia Bassano, like Melina, comes up against sexism in the theatre and the ways the work of women is diminished.
In both cases, real historical accounts are drawn upon, and it is interesting to note the similarities in their lives. Once again, Picoult’s writing as a feminist shines through.
A Thought-Provoking Narrative
Jodi Picoult is known for her ability to tackle complex social issues with nuance, and By Any Other Name is no exception. The novel invites you to question whether or not Bassano really penned any of Shakespeare's plays, and by the end, I was strongly convinced that she certainly must have.
I was very much involved in the lives of both women, in both their work and personal lives. I could identify with their strength and resilience, as well as their weaknesses. I could have put my arms around both of them, and you really will have an eye-opening experience when you read about the tragedies that Emilia encounters.
The Writing
Picoult’s writing is, as always, engaging and accessible. The narrative flows seamlessly, pulling you into the lives of the characters with ease. Her use of descriptive language is particularly striking; I found myself fully immersed in both the bustling streets of New York and the clash of the rich and poorer classes in Elizabethan London. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, drawing you further into the emotional core of the story.
Unexpected Twists
As with any Picoult novel, there are plenty of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Layers of intrigue are added, and I couldn’t wait to get back to the book after having to put it down. Though it tugged at my heartstrings, I was never disappointed with the way the narrative played out.
Final Thoughts
By Any Other Name is a masterful blend of historical fiction and contemporary drama, with characters so well-drawn that they’ll stay on my mind for a long time. Picoult’s exploration of identity, love, feminism, theatre, art, and history will astound you, as will the power of her storytelling.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who appreciates a well-told, emotionally rich story with strong, relatable characters. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Jodi Picoult or new to her work, By Any Other Name will not disappoint.
If you have a book recommendation for me, please leave it in the comments below!
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