Allison’s Book Report – “By Any Other Name” by Jodi Picoult

Back in the 90s, when I was just a fledgling theater nerd and book lady, I was introduced to William Shakespeare in school by reading his popular works in English class. Shout out to Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Travis, and Mrs. Rowlett. You ladies not only started my lifelong obsession for all things related to The Bard but also played a huge part in my love of reading. Imagine my joy when I discovered that Jodi Picoult, one of my favorite authors, was releasing a new book centered around the works and times of William Shakespeare. I dropped everything to stalk the mailbox, waiting for “By Any Other Name” to be delivered, and then neglected all other responsibilities to devour this unique, well-researched story about Shakespeare. Also, imagine my surprise when it was not about ol’ Will at all.

Melina Green, a young and struggling playwright in modern New York City, has just written a new play inspired by the life of her ancestor, Emilia Bassano.  Melina knows that seeing it performed is unlikely in a theater world where the playing field is not exactly level for female playwrights. As Melina wonders if it is worth risking failure again, her best friend decides for her and submits the play under a more masculine-sounding name.

In 1581, Emilia Bassano, a ward of English aristocrats, is given lessons on languages, history, and writing, which foster a sharp wit and a gift for storytelling. However, like most women in Elizabethan England, she is not allowed a voice. She is sold as a courtesan to the Lord Chamberlain, who oversees all theatre productions in England, and Emilia sees firsthand how the words of playwrights can change the way people think. She begins to form a plan to bring a play of her own to life by paying an actor named William Shakespeare to front her work.

Jodi Picoult is known for doing extensive research on her book topics, and “By Any Other Name” is no exception. Emilia Bassano was a real person, and there are solid facts and many theories that support the idea that she may have penned works that we modern-day Shakespeare fans credit to The Bard. Picoult blends these facts and her imagination to flesh out Bassano so that readers can not help but fall in love with her and her heartbreaking story. Emilia Bassano may be a mostly forgotten name until now.

Grab this book and get lost in Emilia’s world this week—especially you, Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Travis, and Mrs. Rowlett. You will love this one. And don’t forget to pop over to my Instagram @allison.the.reader and tell me what you think about Emilia and what I should read next.