From the bestselling author of Mad Honey comes a sweeping and insightful novel of female identity and inequality set in both Elizabethan England and present-day Manhattan, as two women centuries apart struggle to assert their artistic expression in a sphere dominated by men.
'There was once a girl who became invisible in order that her words may not be.'
In 1581, Emilia Bassano is allowed no voice of her own. But as the Lord Chamberlain’s mistress she has access to the theatre, 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 a great cost: by paying a man for the use of his name, she will write her own out of history.
In modern day New York, playwright Melina Green is determined to see one of her shows make the stage. After years of struggle to be recognised she has finally written again, inspired by the life of her Elizabethan ancestor — Emilia Bassano, England’s first published female poet. Although the challenges are different for her, four hundred years later, it is still not a level playing field for women in the arts. But what lengths will she be willing to go to in order to achieve her dreams?
Moving between Elizabethan England and modern day Manhattan, By Any Other Name is a beautifully written, compelling novel that explores the theme of identity and the ways in which two women, centuries apart—one of whom might just be the real author of Shakespeare’s plays—are both forced to hide behind another name to make their voices heard.
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
ISBN: 9780241676042
Number of pages: 544
Weight: 792 g
Dimensions: 241 x 162 x 45 mm
A likeable heroine and a fun, readable evocation of Elizabethan court life and theatre - The Times
Her best one yet. Jodi Picoult has combined her trademark research with an astonishing and heart-rending story, embedded in truth, and turned it into a gripping novel - Jojo Moyes
Impressively researched and beautifully written. A gripping, masterful work - Daily Express
Stunning. So interesting, clever, educational and moving. One of the best books I've read in recent times - Gillian McAllister, bestselling author of Wrong Place, Wrong Time
A heartfelt, inspiring and deeply thought-provoking look at identity, strength and struggle. Meticulously researched, beautiful and original, By Any Other Name is a timeless classic from one of our great storytellers - Chris Whitaker, Sunday Times bestselling author of All The Colours of the Dark
By Any Other Name had me absolutely captivated . . . I loved all the questions this novel raised about who gets to tell which stories and how complex that can become. The importance of women's role in storytelling is something very close to my heart, and this was such a thought-provoking, evocative, fascinating and moving exploration of the topic. Jodi Picoult is a genius and this might be my favourite of her books so far - Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ariadne
A fun jaunt through Elizabethan London, full of literary easter eggs - Independent
Perennial best-seller 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
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. Jodi Picoult’s books always start passionate conversations, and this one is sure to get people talking. Book clubs will embrace this rich, inspiring story - Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale
Riveting - i
I have to admit, this is my first time reading anything by Jodi Picoult. I know, I know – late to the party. But what do they say? Better late than never, something like that.
Two timelines are so trendy these...
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When i heard about By Any Other name, i was not sure about the story. It seemed a little unbelievable that Shakespeare didn't write his plays. I heard Jodi speak about the book and her research and was hooked. I... More
Thank you to the publishers for this early review copy.
I must first say that I absolutely love the cover of the proof copy I have just read.
The storyline is set across two timelines, both of which were equally...
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