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

Women!

How is it 500 years later we are still feeling the same symptoms of us little old women not being enough!!! I loved how this book made women matter and feel important- like we should! What an amazing read- I don't even care anything about Shakespeare and I too- wanted to tell him to prove it Buddy!!! Only a women could have made that story happen!!! 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌❤️

If you want an education, read Jodi Picoult

I have read virtually every book that Jodi has ever written. I always come away thinking that there’s a lot of stuff that I have learned that I never knew I needed to know. She is an expert at research.

Historical Fiction from a story I never knew.

Jodi Picoult does it again, and this time with a story from centuries ago.

Of course I know who William Shakespeare is, but I had never heard that there were suspicions about the legitimacy of his title as a play write. This book was fascinating, very different from other Picoult stories I’ve read.

I couldn’t stop listening and l devoured it from the day it was released until I finished it, only two days later.

It has given me reason to research Emilia Bassano and I look forward to learning more.

Thank you, Jodi. I cannot wait to read your next one.

Poignant storytelling!

Jodi Picoult has been my longtime favorite author. This new release was worth the wait!

I adore everything Shakespearean Picoult’s generational side-by-side storytelling checked all the boxes for me. Examining the female experience stripped of all pretense was a journey for the soul. I will be rereading this again very soon.

Phenomenal

If this were entirely fictional it would be a great story, but the level of research and detail included make it a mind blowing work. I give highest scores to every aspect of this audio book

Excellent story

I believed it. I think it might just be how things were. I loved it. I will listen again.
Compelling

The real info that will Shakespeare is likely not the author of “his” plays

I loved the degree of historical research the author did, to credibly posit that women, and in particular , one Jewish-Italian woman, was likely the author of hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, and most of the plays credited to Shakespeare. And, the novel itself is well crafted and narrated.

Incredible Book

The amount of research that Jodi put into this is astounding as always. This story is a dual perspective following Emelia and Melanie. Emelia is set in the time of William Shakespeare and Mel is modern day.

I’m buying it

Beautifully told. Can’t stop thinking about the story, the characters, and the idea that the Bard is a woman. I’m buying it!

Fascinating Story

Never something I have thought about! Very well written and performed. Couldn’t put it down.