By Any Other Name : A Novel – Jodi Picoult

“By Any Other Name” weaves together the lives of two women separated by centuries but united by their fight to be heard. In modern-day New York, playwright Melina Green struggles to get her work staged in a male-dominated theater world. Her latest play, inspired by her Elizabethan ancestor Emilia Bassano, is submitted to a festival under a male pseudonym by her best friend—a decision that reignites Melina’s determination to reclaim her voice.

In 1581 England, Emilia Bassano, a brilliant but marginalized woman, navigates a world where her intellect and storytelling gifts are stifled by societal constraints. Forced into a fraught relationship with the Lord Chamberlain, she secretly collaborates with William Shakespeare to bring her own plays to the stage. Her courage and cunning challenge the norms of her time, leaving a legacy that echoes across generations.

Picoult’s novel explores themes of ambition, identity, and the cost of artistic integrity. Through meticulous research, she resurrects Emilia Bassano—a real historical figure often overshadowed by Shakespeare—and imagines her as a proto-feminist icon. The dual narratives highlight the parallels between past and present, asking tough questions about whose stories get told and why.

The book’s rich prose and intricate plotting draw readers into both worlds, blending emotional depth with historical detail. Fans of Kristin Hannah and Chris Whitaker will appreciate the empowering message and the seamless interplay of drama, romance, and mystery. Picoult’s signature ability to tackle complex issues with empathy and nuance shines in this unforgettable tale.

A tribute to resilience, “By Any Other Name” celebrates the power of storytelling to transcend time and oppression. It’s a reminder that history is shaped not just by those who write it, but by those who dare to rewrite it.