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

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

Attention capturing, thought provoking read.

Highly recommend. The interweaving of the characters, the story telling, the factual information - superb!
This read will send you to Google.
I love historical fiction that highlights characters that the history books do not even consider discussing.

Jodi is in a class of her own

Jodi has done it again! Written about a topic I was not necessarily interested in but enthralled and captivated by her words. She is an expert of her craft and I look forward to her next release

Strong women

I’m a fan of this author but this might be my very favorite. I love the characters. Loved Emilia and her courage.

Loved

I absolutely loved this book. I am not a fan of multiple stories lines but this book is an exception. Great read.

Loved the interweave of current snd historical concerns and issues.

Provenance/authorship of Shakespeare’s works remains a huge question. This fictional work brought the 1500’s to light in a realistic way.

Masterpiece!

Best read/listen of 2024! Historical Fiction is my favorite genre, Jodi Picoult, my favorite author. This book is the BEST of both. I’ve lost sleep because of author’s note at the end & I can’t get Emilia (nor Melina) out of my head. Cannot recommend this book enough. The narrators also nailed their performances 100%. This book has set a new literary bar for me! Bravo! Bravo!

It is not the sun that shines so bright, but the moon!

I’m sure JP will be described as quite the shrew to take on this subject in such a way. However, that is not my stance. Simply fabulous! Bright! Witty! So well woven! I might just need to read again!

Fascinating

I really enjoyed and appreciated the authors note at the end because she discusses her research, much of which supports the theory of Shakespeare’s plays written by multiple people

possibly my favorite book of 2024

Calling all English majors and champions of women's roles in the literary world! Suspicion has always swirled around the authorship of Shakespeare's works, but JP's research has offered a new suggestion: "His" works were, in fact, written by a woman who paid a middling actor to put his name on her plays and poems because, of course, women didn't write anything but letters. Before you scoff at this possibility, listen to this novel. I would've been happy with just this timeline; the second timeline is the same story just told in the contemporary world. A female playwright struggles to get her play produced until her roommate submits it with HIS name as the author."Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose." The more things change, the more they stay the same. I highly recommend this novel.

Outstanding!!

Jodi Picoult never disappoints!! A beautiful story of love. Her books are always a step above from style to narration. I also have a new found interest in Shakespeare. It’s a must read.