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.

I have to confess coming to this with my very sceptical hat on as I have an MA in Shakespeare Studies and this was always going to bias my reading.

I quite believe that Shakespeare did not write alone, it has been proven in written records that plays at this time were collaborative affairs so the basic idea that there was another author was ok...asserting that Shakespeare was a writer who was so bad that nothing would have been performed if he'd written it was an extreme too far.

I thought that there were two books in this one and I'd have liked to have read either of them but without the dual timeline - I'd especially liked to have known more about the current theatre scene in America as told through the modern part.

Part of me wants to reread this with an audiobook at a later date. While I loved the story and the message throughout. The pacing felt a little too slow for me. Sometimes it felt it dragged a little. But I didn't want to put the book down either.
I wanted to see how their stories ended.

I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed this book. I much preferred the narrative of Emilia’s timeline but found Melina’s timeline served a purpose. To me, this is a book about the struggles for everyday people, particularly women, during the Elizabethan period and less about Shakespeare, which I found to be a good thing. There is a lot to get through but I managed to read this over the course of a couple of days and think that this added to my enjoyment as I would have struggled to keep up and remember everything if I could only read it open short snippets at a a time. It is very different to anything else I’ve read by this author but definitely worth a read.

I struggled with this book. Found it very slow and at
Times really had to focus or I was losing my place. This just wasn’t for me unfortunately.

Everyone knows by now that 'anonymous was a woman' but what if Shakespeare was a woman, too?

Jodi Picould explores this idea via the intertwined POVs of Emilia Bassano, a 16th-century woman and her modern-day descendant Melina Green who, despite the 400 year gap, faces similar challenges in a still patriarchal society.

The book idea is great, although nothing new or original. The Shakespeare authorship question was first introduced in the 19th Century, there's even a Hollywood film about it, and the long list of "official" candidates includes various women. It is also accepted that there are no records of Shakespeare's formal education that would justify his vocabulary, and the few records on his background can't explain the worldiness displayed in his works either. As someone who learnt all that in school, I found myself skipping through the pages as I didn't find this particular part of the book revealing or thought-provoking. I don't know what makes Jodi feel she will receive hate mail for stating something that is taught in schools and universities all around the world.

The present timelike of Melina Green is again interesting but nothing new. There's been a few books and films about authors publishing under a pen name of a "privileged white man", although I appreciate Jodi is lending her voice to the issue. Lots of people who are unfamiliar with this will probably hear about it for the first time from Jodi, and that's priceless.

All in all, I have mixed feelings about this book. I didn't feel like it's was original let alone ground-breaking. Jodi Picoult is an amazing writer and the book is worth five stars ust for that. It's an enjoyable novel and if you're new to the topics discussed in the book you will certainly find it incredibly intriguing!!!

As a HUGE Jodi Picoult fan, I was excited to read “By Any Other Name” and it didn’t disappoint.
Two stories are woven together: Melina Green, a modern-day playwright, and her ancestor Emilia Bassano, a 16th-century poet. Both women face challenges in a male-dominated world.

The historical parts about Emilia are detailed and engaging, bringing her time to life. Melina’s story is equally compelling, dealing with similar issues today.

By Any Other Name is a great read, it’s an absolute must read for fans of Jodi Picoult, historical fiction lovers, Shakespeare enthusiasts, and anyone interested in feminist literature and the arts.

I'm a HUGE Jodi Picoult fan and have read all of her novels, many of them multiple times. I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to read By Any Other Name early. I was immediately hooked by Melina's story and the way she told her ancestor Emilia's story through her play. I was equally engaged with the current day storyline and the one set in the 1500s and the play excerpts were a nice touch! I can't wait until the October release date so I can discuss this book with people.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.