Overview

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.

Review

Melina is a young playwright. She has written a play about her ancestor, Emilia Bassano. Emilia was also a playwright in the 1500s. Since Melina has had some bad experiences in the past, she is hesitant to put her new work out there. However, Melina’s best friend submits her play anyway, under a male pseudonym.

Y’all! I absolutely love this author. But this is probably my least favorite of her books. And I have read them all! That does not mean that it wasn’t good. It is just not my favorite.

This story starts out and it is slow for quite a while, but boy, when it takes off, it takes off like a rocket. But sadly, this doesn’t take place till about halfway through. I also did not like Melina very well. She lies, she is overly dramatic and she is a bit of a coward. She just did not sit very well with me.

I did enjoy the dual timelines, especially the one about Emilia Bassano. Her story is tragic and emotional. And it had me researching! Could she be the writer for Shakespeare?? Who knows? But I love the idea and the possibilities that could make it true!

Need a unique historical mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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