Typically, I adore Jodi Picoult’s books but this was unfortunately not the one for me. I mean I enjoyed the pacing of it but I feel like it could’ve been so much better than it was.

I really enjoyed this book, more than I was expecting to - and I was expecting to like it! I’m a sucker for historical fiction that reimagines the usual story we’ve been told so I was excited to read By Any Other Name. I didn’t realise that the book consisted of two timelines, one in the modern day and one in the Elizabethan era. I was at first a little disappointed as was excited to sink my teeth to some pure historical fiction but as I made my way through the book I found that I welcomed the addition of the modern element. I liked the way Melinda’s story echoed Emilia’s and in turn how it demonstrated the differences and similarities between their worlds. I also liked seeing how Mel was so passionate about telling Emilia’s story and I felt it really added an extra layer to the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed how Jodi Picot weaved Emilia’s story into the existing Shakespeare lore while also developing her character and this discussion around whether writing without acknowledgment could be enough for Emilia. I would love to read more about the research process for this book as she put across such a compelling argument for Emilia as the true author for many of Shakespeare’s works. I was hoping there would be an author’s note diving into this a bit but alas there was not.

My only small complaint was that I felt like the chapters when Emilia is a child didn’t have as much impact as they might have. She is going through so much at such a young age but I struggled to believe that she was a child. The voice of these chapters didn’t feel distinctive to the voice of the latter chapters when she is an adult and I felt this was a bit of a disservice to impact of her story. This was only really an issue at the start though, I felt like as the book progressed through the rest of Emilia’s life we really got to see her grow as a character and it was great to see how each of her experiences shaped who she was, and how she related it to her writing.

The development of Mel’s story was also interesting as she grappled with similar questions around whether it was enough to have her work out in the world without it being attributed to her, but through a slightly different lens. I really enjoyed her friendship with Andre, it felt very true to life and really helped to flesh out her character. I wasn’t expecting how the discussion around representation within the theatre evolved into a discussion around the different levels of privilege and representation but I enjoyed and felt the conclusion for the modern characters was satisfying.

Overall, this book kept me throughly engaged and I loved the discussion of themes around what authorship means, the importance of art as a vehicle of representation and the way in which it is shaped by the creators’ life experiences. The book itself was also a wonderful discussion starter as I had many great conversations around the premise and how I felt it was being executed.

I am a big fan of Jodi Picoult, she’s very much an auto-buy Author for me, and I also have an interest in Shakespeare so I was very excited to be able to read this one a little early.

I was aware there was discussion in some areas as to whether the man we know as William Shakespeare was actually responsible for the works attributed to him but I hadn’t heard of Emilia Bassano before. Reading this has definitely encouraged me to do some more research in this area as whether she was really the brains behind Shakespeare or not she seems a really interesting person.

The split timeline works really well and makes this kind of a split between historical fiction and a commentary on the treatment of basically anyone in the theatre world who isn’t a white male. The only problem for me with this way of story telling was I felt like there was actually enough material in both sections for two stand alone books rather than forcing the stories to share space. Emilia’s story took up a lot of the page count and I would have liked to have seen Melinda’s story given some more space to be fleshed out a little more.

Picoult’s writing, as always, had been gripped and I was hooked on this one from the first page. That doesn’t mean it was without its issues though. There was an odd error in describing a walk from the New York Public Library to Bryant Park and it took me out of the story for a moment whilst I read and re-read the description thinking I must have misunderstood. Now I’m not so petty as to say that this is a major issue but it did make me wonder about the level of research in other areas if this error had slipped through.

I loved the characterisation, obviously a lot of the characters in Emilia’s part of the story would be based on real people but there will no doubt have been some creative adjustments made along the way. I did feel that giving Melina a name so similar to Emilia’s (on first look I thought it was an anagram) was a little on the nose.

The ending was a little far fetched and schmaltzy for me but overall it was an enjoyable read and has definitely kicked off the research mode in me!

Loved the comparison of the past and present, interesting read that looks as some big issues and keeps you wanting more

The prose in Jodi Picoults ‘By Any Other Name’ alternates between the perspectives of Emilia Bassino in Elizabethan England and Melina Green in the present day. Both playwrights, the two women are held back by their gender, and forced to disguise themselves as male writers. In Emilia’s case, Picoult portrays her as being the writer of many of William Shakespeare’s plays, something that is backed up by previous literary theories.

I have mixed feelings about this novel. I really liked the premise, some of the descriptions of Emilia’s life, and her relationship with other famous characters such as Kit Marlowe, but I found the parallels between her and Melina a bit clumsy. While Melina’s struggles to get recognition were sad, at times she came across as selfish and unlikable and in contrast to someone who was sold to be a consort as soon as her period started (and trained to provide men with satisfaction) her difficulties seemed little in comparison. Ultimately the book was also overly long and a bit slow, meaning that whilst it wasn’t a bad read, it isn’t one I’d rave about.

I was initially sceptical about the premise of this book, as I am a life-long fan of Shakespeare's work. I am still not convinced about the hidden contribution of Emilia, the protagonist of the novel, but I was gradually drawn into the life and struggles of a well drawn, strong character and enjoyed her journey. The counterpoint of Emilia's ancestor in contemporary America was more conventional and, for me, less absorbing, but served to contrast the far less life-threatening trials of a modern female playwright.

I liked much of the period detail and carefully researched background of Shakespearean life, although some of the anachronistic expression (like gotten) sounded a little jarring. I also found the references and parallels to Shakespeare's plays rather obvious and presumptuous, especially the direct quotations (with footnotes at the end), though I suppose they are meant to justify the 'mystery' of the plays' authorship.

On the whole, an interesting and unusual read, and well worth the minor shortfalls to follow the lives of two strong female writers.

I really enjoyed this book! A really interesting premise - the two timelines / points of view combined with Jodi's excellent writing style meant that this book was a real page Turner. I found myself really caring about what happened to both main characters and that's a rare thing! Would definitely recommend.

While I would happily read Jodi Picoult’s shopping list and have devoured everything she has ever read, I do have favourites, My Sister’s Keeper, Nineteen Minutes, The Pact and A Spark of Light among them. Added to this list is now By Any Other Name.

When I read that she was writing a book about how Emilia Bassano was behind Shakespeare’s writing, I was very excited to find out more. As ever Jodi’s research shines through, it’s one of the things I love most about her books - that she puts so much into the research element. And it shows.

Told from two points of view, Emilia Bassano in Elizabethan England, and her ancestor in modern day, Melina Green, a budding playwright whose confidence was undermined at a pivotal moment early in her career. Of the two, I preferred Emilia. Strong, forthright and dealing with the hand she was dealt contrasted with Melina, who I have to say at times I found a tad whiny and entitled. My heart broke over and over again for Emilia, and that she continually picked herself up and made the best of things was inspiring to say the least.

An easy five star read, reading on holiday I’ve been desperate to return to my sun lounger in the shade for long sessions devouring the pages!

I am most likely in the minority but I didn’t know of the theories around Shakespeare prior to picking this book up. This book definitely does the job of starting the conversation on both that but also misogyny within the creative field. I found that the past and present timelines drew certain parallels which made for a really interesting comparison showing how far we have come yet how far we have yet to go. I thought this aspect of the story was well explored and it’s really clear the amount of research that has gone into Emelia’s story.

I did find this one a little slow at times, although not necessarily in a bad way as I do think certain aspects needed to build slowly. I would say that at times the past elements did just feel a little bit too long- whilst I appreciate this is mainly a story about Emelia, I found that because it was so drawn out it almost lost my attention making it harder to form those deep connections. On the contary with the current timeline, I felt as though I wanted it to focus on other areas, it seemed to skip really important things- I’d have especially liked more from Jasper. I think because of the now timeline leaving me wanting more, it made the length of the past timeline feel longer almost.

Aside from Emelia who is a strong character my favourite character was definitely Jasper, I found him really relatable and really well fleshed out. I just wish we had gotten more from him and that dynamic, it felt as though that element was skipped over. I also really loved Kit, he was a really wholesome character who was easy to connect with.

I loved how Bess was with Emelia throughout her lifetime and the friendship that the cultivated, I think she will likely be a character that is a little overlooked with her being so on the side, but I think she was such a good constant and formed the backdrop on which Emelia grew and developed.

One thing that really stood out to me about the writing in this one alongside the research was the fact that not only were there huge factual elements of Emelia/Shakespeare’s lives. I liked the less obvious things that cropped up in Emelia’s life that as the reader you could connect to Shakespeare’s plays in terms of inspiration, I think this really helped me buy into everything that was being said and definitely sent me down a research rabbit hole.

I think I would have liked more from the relationships in the current timeline. Andre and Melina’s friendship didn’t seem to have much depth, things just all felt very fleeting and I wish we had gotten more- even if it meant a reduction in characters/relationship. There was so much going on in the now chapters that it left me wanting more from the many dynamics whilst also knowing the past would take priority.

There were so many characters I felt mad at throughout the whole book, especially in the past chapters. Emelia deserved to be treated so much better however I am sure that’s the case for so many women at that time. It really is crazy to think about and I felt as though she had been failed by so many people.

This book sort of went in waves of pacey aspects where I felt engaged followed by very slow mundane life aspects that felt so slow and did leave me feeling a little bored. I like how this book opened my mind to something I hadn’t thought of before and really appreciate the intelligence of the writing, I just think it could have been done with fewer pages.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that has an interest in literature/Shakespeare as like I’ve mentioned a few times, the research that has gone into this book is excellent and the story so eye opening

If I had to capture this book in quotes I would probably choose this one from the present timeline: “Sometimes…it’s like there’s a blurry window between me and the rest of the world. I can’t see them clearly, and they can’t see me.” And the past would be: “She knew the difference between idealism and practicality, she knew that clinging to your principles didn’t put food on the table. And yet she was a survivor. That was both the blessing and the curse of hope; it turned a weary why into a seductive why not. Even when you were wise enough to understand the odds of failure, all you saw was that sliver of possible success”

I got this book and then slightly regretted it. I realised I wasn’t sure I wanted to question William Shakespeare’s legacy. I’m so glad that I made myself read it anyway.
Set in Elizabethan London, and modern day Manhattan, I loved the way the author showed how hard it can be for a woman writer then and now. I was not at all surprised that the book was clever, as Jodi Picoult always is. It is astonishing however that she is able to reflect such a convincing picture of Tudor times. The research must have been painstaking, but she absolutely pulled it off. To be honest - I am in awe.
I liked both female characters very much and highly recommend this engaging and intriguing book.
An easy five stars from me.

Did Shakespeare really write those plays and sonnets or was it a woman? The story flips between Shakespeare’s time and the modern day, where two smart women are trying to get their work known and performed. Lives were short then and people from all walks of life escaped the trauma of their own lives in the comedy and tragedy of drama.

In sixteenth-century London, 13 year old Emilia Bassano is given by her family to be the mistress of a much older man. She’s also a would-be playwright but, as a woman, knows her work won’t be taken seriously. But perhaps there’s a way?

In the present day, Melina is desperate to become a published playwright in the face of a misogynistic director. Her play is about her ancestor Emilia Bassano.
A strong story well-written and engaging.

This took me a while to get into; but once I did I couldn’t put it down. There are two stories here, the story of Emelia a playwright and poet in the 1500’s and Melina from the present day; struggling to get her big break. Emelia is a relative of Melinas and Melina is trying to both get her own voice heard as well as telling Emeliq’s story. There is a lot of reference to Shakespeare and poetry; which isn’t really my thing but once engrossed I couldn’t stop till I’d read the entire book. Stick with it; it’s a bit heavy and some scenes around abusive relationships in the 1500’s are quite distressed to read but this was a fabulous book.

I love Jodi Picoult but o really struggled to get into this story and eventually gave up. I will continue to read Jodi and may come back to this later.

I'm a big fan of Jodi Picoult and her storytelling, she always manages to tackle difficult topics and stories with compassion and honesty. However, this one wasn't my favourite. I think primarily as I am not a Shakespeare fan nor am I interested in him or his plays at all, so the interest to learn about his life and that time period wasn't there for me. I liked the premise and idea that Jodi was presenting in this book, and the exploration of misogyny and women's rights - but still I found the story slow and difficult to get into.

This was slow to grab me and I think I struggled to half way thinking I might have to put it down for good when I saw a video by the Author talking about the book she had written. After that, something seemed to click and I started to understand what I was reading. The second half of the book went by quickly and then it was finished.

Jodi Picoult is one of my favourite Authors but unfortunately this one just wasn’t for me, more to do with being about Shakespeare and Poetry which I don’t enjoy.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

As much as I love Jodi Picoult’s books, I was a little reticent to read this book. Early reviewers told me they couldn’t get into it and anyway, hadn’t I been happy to leave Shakespeare behind in my school days?
However, as soon as I started reading, I couldn’t put the book down. I enjoyed both the narratives but I really felt I lived Emila’s story alongside her. She really got under my skin. I came to love a lot of the other characters too - Kit Marlow and Bess, I am looking at you. The story is captivating and the message is so apt and powerful. I thought the parallels drawn between the Elizabethan period and modern day were really clever.
I would definitely recommend this book to book clubs, readers who love strong, powerful and inspiring plots and fans of Jodi’s writing.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Slightly different for a Jodi Picoult book, and not really my kind of story but I still enjoyed it. Jodi always tackles taboo subjects very well.

Thank you to negalley.co.uk Penguin Random House Publishing for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
As an avid fan of Jodi Picoult's literary prowess, I eagerly dove into "By Any Other Name," and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! In this exquisite novel, Picoult weaves a remarkable tapestry of engaging characters and intertwined timelines that kept me captivated from the very first page.

What truly sets this book apart are the characters. Each one is beautifully crafted, brimming with depth and complexity. Picoult's ability to bring her characters to life is unparalleled; I felt a genuine connection with Emilia and found myself deeply invested in their journeys. The emotional nuances and struggles she face resonate on so many levels, making it impossible not to root for her.

The intertwining timelines added an extra layer of intrigue and richness to the narrative. Picoult masterfully shifts between past and present, unraveling secrets and histories that shape the characters in profound ways. This storytelling technique not only kept me on my toes but also enhanced the emotional weight of the narrative—every twist and turn felt intentional and impactful.

As I reached the final pages, I was utterly gutted when the book came to an end. I could have easily spent more time with these characters, immersing myself in their world and unfolding stories. There’s a timeless quality to Picoult’s writing that leaves you yearning for more, and "By Any Other Name" is no exception.

In summary, this book is a testament to Jodi Picoult's extraordinary talent and her ability to tell stories that resonate long after you've turned the last page. If you’re a fan of richly developed characters and intricate plots, this is a must-read. I wholeheartedly give "By Any Other Name" five stars!

In her latest offering Jodi Picoult engages in deep, well researched, and detailed research to posit the speculative idea that maybe, just maybe, yet it may possibly be true, Shakespeare, is not necessarily who he appears to be. Through dual narratives, primarily focusing on Elizabethan times, we encounter 2 women distinctly different women, but who have much in common, despite the hundreds of years that separate them. In the present, playwright Melina Green is finding it difficult to be recognised and accepted for who she is, she longs to have access to the world of theatre, but her work is eventually submitted under a male name, surely in our contemporary times such subterfuge should be unnecessary?

There are echoes of Melina's plight in her long ago female ancestor, Emilia Bassano, living under far harsher conditions, there is far greater inequality and misogyny, where women are invisible, under greater male control, and certainly should not be foolish enough to entertain ideas above their station, of becoming writers and playwrights. In a story where the Elizabethan historical period is bought vibrantly alive, Emilia finds herself in a situation where she is the mistress of the Lord Chamberlain, and must find a path through which her ideas and writing voice will be heard and remembered, and to achieve that she is willing to pay one William Shakespeare to use his name for her art and writing.

Picoult is not the first to question the idea that Shakes is really the author of the vast body of work attributed to him, but I have no doubt that the her wide readership will bring greater publicity to the controversy, ensuring that she will be greatly reviled and hated by many who refuse to grant any credence to Picoult's thoughts. This was a fascinating read, if a trifle overlong, a little too instructive, and required patience before it became an immersive experience, and I must say that I was more caught up in the talented Emilia's life, rather than Melia. Definitely recommended to fans of the author, historical fiction, those interested in the position of women in 2 different periods, and other readers too. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

"Maybe that was the lesson Emilia had been struggling to learn all this time – that being remembered by many was far less important than being remembered by a few who mattered."

In the late 1500s, Emilia Bassano, a courtesan, has a secret. Women are not allowed to have their voices heard in writing, and yet, she's full of poems and plays that she writes and hides. Then, her friend, the playwright Christopher Marlowe, has an idea – get someone else to publish her work under his name. And so, the master William Shakespeare, is made.

In the present, Melina Green is struggling. As a woman playwright, no one seems willing to give her a chance. So, Melina's best friend enters her play about her ancestor, Emilia Bassano, into a festival, but signs off with a male name. The play is selected. Melina wants to go along with the ruse, and reveal herself as the true author later, once it's too late for the producers to pull out. But for how long will she accept not being acknowledged?

I adored Emilia's story. She's so full of spunk, and courage, and wit. Her desire to be known is trumped by her drive to see her works out in the world and being performed. Emilia is a feminist at a time when women were chattel, despite their being a female monarch. She's courageous and ambitious, dealing with everything from an abusive spouse to a forbidden love. I also loved the Shakespearean Easter eggs in her part of the narrative and was happy I picked up on most of them.

I felt like the present-day part of the story was slightly weaker though I'm struggling to put my finger on why I feel like that. I do think Melina could have revealed herself as the writer of her play much sooner or handled matters a little better.

This is a book about what it means to be a woman in a white man's world, and shows that while things may have changed in the past 400 years, matters are far from being equal. Women playwrights still find it hard to get funding for their productions, and are still told their works aren't universally appealing.

This is a powerful work that will stay with me for a long time.