BY ANY OTHER NAME
by Jodi Picoult
First off, I want to point out that Jodi Picoult’s latest book is very different from any of her previous books. And, even though Picoult figures as one of my automatic “must read” authors every time she writes another book, By Any Other Name rocked me in a way only a very few of her other books have.
By Any Other Name weaves together two different stories, one from the late 16th century and one in current times. Our modern protagonist is Melina Green, a struggling playwright, convinced that her plays have been unfairly judged and/or not produced because she is a woman. But in one impetuously deceitful moment, her best friend, who is a gay, Black man, submits her play to a highly regarded play festival and it gets accepted. Thrilled by its acceptance, Melina and her friend find themselves increasingly entrapped by their deception.
In the 16th century story, our protagonist is Emilia Bassano, a poor young woman who, with some good luck, has managed to get an education. Her luck doesn’t last, alas, and she is sold by her relatives to become the mistress to a Lord. Through his position, she experiences live theater and is enraptured. With grit and perseverance, she manages to secretly sell plays she has written to William Shakespeare, who then takes credit for having written them himself. To watch the struggles both women experience play out in similar fashion more than 400 years apart, is both fascinating and heartbreaking. But Picoult doesn’t leave it there. Melina realizes that she too must evolve and discovers empathy for those who have even less agency than she does in the theater.
By Any Other Name entertains on so many levels that it enthralls. Both women’s stories are captivating and Picoult’s writing is propulsive. You won’t want to stop reading and even when you’ve finished, this book will stay with you. (Liz)
A Note From Lily:
I would like to add my two cents as another lifelong Picoult fan and female theatre maker. Not only does By Any Other Name nail the struggles of creating theatre in what is still a male-dominated industry, Picoult brilliantly weaves in Shakespeare quotes and lore to make even the staunchest believer question the authenticity of the Bard of Avon. (Lily)
