An e book bargain: By Any Other Name

Jodi Picoult

#ByAnyOtherName #NetGalley

Where does the title come from? Find out below. Think too of the different meanings it might have.

Picoult is an author who does not write the same book twice. That said, she has a knack for writing interesting novels that are often quite topical (school shootings, abortion and more).

In this latest work, Picoult examines ways in which women’s work is often taken to be less valuable. How might this play out in two time periods? Turn the pages to find out.

In the earlier time period, Picoult postulates that Emilia Bassano was never credited but wrote many of Shakespeare’s plays. Could this be true?

The world of her and Shakespeare’s time is very authentically portrayed here. Picoult did her research. Details of clothing, education, women’s roles, the power of men and more come alive.

Emilia faced many obstacles after her father died and her mother left her. She was educated but faced many constraints. How did she survive?

In the present day, Mel, who is a budding playwright, faces many challenges. She has learned that Emilia was a relative and has written a play about her. How are their lives the same and different? How do they each face their creative obstacles? Read this long novel to find out.

Be sure to look at the notes at the back of the book. There are lots of details on Shakespeare related references.

Those who are already fans of the author will likely buy this book. I hope that those new to her will also pick this up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Title answer: Romeo and Juliet. Think 🌹

Pub date: 20 August 2024

From the publisher