By Any Other Name

A Novel

By: Jodi Picoult

Narrated by: Billie Fulford-Brown, Laura Benanti, Jodi Picoult, Jayne Entwistle, Andrew Fallaize, Joe Jameson, John Lee, Nicholas Guy Smith, Simon Vance, Steve West

Length: 18 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

From the New York Times bestselling 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.

This audiobook contains a bonus PDF with Shakespearean references, Sources and Resources, and an image from the book.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Jodi Picoult (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“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

“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

“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 review

I’m not crying…you are!

I’m listening to this on Audible at work and its last chapter has me bawling! Luckily I’m alone at the office. I can’t elaborate without spoilers, but do not relate to the few reviews saying they “couldn’t get in to it”. 😑. It’s Jodi Picoult’s masterpiece!

Shakespeare? he or she?

Jodi is my favorite author,but...I'm still thinking about this book. when I think of the need for women authors still to defend their work, I give it a 5, but at times I felt this book felt like written by two different authors...but maybe that's the point 😳

Love this book

Excellent in all ways. The story is believable and well written. I highly recommend this book.

The play within the play anew

Loves this book ! An intriguing and hugely satisfying story very well told. Great writing and great readers.

Story , theme & very well researched!

Overall great! Jodi has outdone herself through her characters, descriptions, realism and story—well done!!

HerStory

I love historical.fiction that makes you think. I could visualize almost every scene. Adding the modern day flashes were great but definitely not needed.

The detail which the author brought to life

I liked everything! This was an extremely well researched and written book with a terrific audio production! Brava!!!

Connecting dots between women living in the 17th century and in the 21st century

I really appreciate the amount of research that provided such a clear picture of England during Shakespeare's time,

There is so much in this novel to challenge assumptions whether you believe it or not. In the end I felt like it was quite possible that William Shakespeare did not write those plays. and I have never doubted that women have the talent intellect and ability to excel.

My thanks to Jodi Picault for placing this story in today's world. Although it's true that for the most part women today, at least in the western world, have some control over the course of their life, who they love, what they can accomplish and are recognized for, it is also true that we are only an election away from stepping back into that darkness.

Historically intriguing

Yet one more well-researched and eloquently penned story. I have heard theories that Shakespeare did not write his plays but never knew the specifics. Such an intriguing tale.

Loved the historical connection!

This was a great story that wove history and genealogy into a wonderful story. So many historical facts that really make you question and wonder who really wrote his plays and poetry!