By Any Other Name: A Novel BY Jodi Picoult

In By Any Other Name, the new novel by the bestselling co-author of Mad Honey, two women from different centuries grapple with their creative ambitions amidst societal constraints. The story intertwines the lives of Melina Green, a modern-day playwright, and her Elizabethan ancestor, Emilia Bassano, in a poignant exploration of gender and artistic expression.

Melina Green is a talented playwright struggling to gain recognition in a male-dominated theater industry. When her best friend submits her latest play to a festival under a male pseudonym, Melina faces a crossroads—risk further failure or embrace this chance to make her mark. As the play is performed, Melina’s determination to overcome the barriers against her gains new significance.

Meanwhile, in 1581, Emilia Bassano, a gifted writer and scholar, is constrained by the rigid expectations of her time. As a ward of the English aristocracy and a mistress to the powerful Lord Chamberlain, Emilia is acutely aware of how men’s words dominate the stage. Secretly, she devises a daring plan to have her work performed by paying a young actor, William Shakespeare, to present her plays under his name.

By Any Other Name spans centuries, bringing to life Emilia’s courage and Melina’s struggle for recognition. Rooted in historical research, this novel highlights the cost of creative freedom and the sacrifices made to see one's work come to life. As both women navigate their worlds, they reveal the profound impact of perseverance and the enduring power of storytelling.