A Novel
by Jodi Picoult
From the New York Times bestselling co-author of Mad Honey comes a 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.
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.
"Perennial bestseller Picoult ... takes on another hot-button topic sure to ignite controversy and conversation: the question of Shakespearean authorship... . [A] timely and affecting tale ... Picoult's many, many fans will pounce on her latest incisive, pot-stirring tale, while the Shakespearean theme will attract even more readers." —Booklist (starred review)
"[A] stimulating if muddled parallel narrative of two women writers...Picoult's depictions of racism and sexism in the contemporary theater world are a bit simplistic. It's a mixed bag." —Publishers Weekly
"Fans of nuanced social commentary, Shakespeare origin stories, and anyone open to giving space will enjoy this highly recommended book. Readers might even begin mentally amending "Shakespearean" to "Bassanian" after reading it." —Library Journal
"Picoult creates a richly detailed portrait of daily life in Elizabethan England, from sumptuous castles to seedy hovels... . It's Emilia's story, and Picoult lovingly brings her to life. ... A vibrant tale of a remarkable woman." —Kirkus Reviews
"[An] inspiring work of feminist literature." —Elle
"A blend of historical fiction and modern-day settings, the novel gives us timelines that intertwine and surprise... . This one is definitely for fans of Shakespeare's work; Picoult has done her research." —Harper's Bazaar
This information about By Any Other Name was first featured
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Jodi Picoult is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-five novels, including Small Great Things, Leaving Time, The Storyteller, Lone Wolf, Sing You Home, House Rules, Handle with Care, Change of Heart, Nineteen Minutes, and My Sister's Keeper. She is also the author, with daughter Samantha van Leer, of two young adult novels, Between the Lines and Off the Page. Picoult lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children.
Author Interview
Link to Jodi Picoult's Website
Name Pronunciation
Jodi Picoult: pee-coh
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