Summary & Download BY Any Other Name Novel by Jodi Picoult PDF
By Any Other Name Summary and Download:
Author: Jodi Picoult
Date of Publishing: August 20, 2024
Genre: Fiction, History
Rating: ★★★★☆
Download
Buy on Amazon
Author: Jodi Picoult
Date of Publishing: August 20, 2024
Genre: Fiction, History
Rating: ★★★★☆
Download Buy on AmazonBy Any Other Name is a compelling and intricately woven novel that explores the lives of two women, separated by centuries but united by their love for writing and their struggles in a male-dominated world.
In the present day, Melina Green, a young playwright, finds herself disillusioned by the barriers women face in the theater industry. Her latest work, inspired by the life of her ancestor, Emilia Bassano, seems destined to go unnoticed. However, Melina's best friend, believing in the play's potential, submits it to a prestigious festival under a male pseudonym, sparking a journey of deception and self-discovery.
Meanwhile, in 1581, Emilia Bassano, a ward of English aristocrats, possesses a sharp intellect and a talent for storytelling. Despite her gifts, she is constrained by the societal norms of her time, where women are denied a voice. Forced into a relationship with the Lord Chamberlain, who controls the theater world, Emilia concocts a daring plan to have her own work performed on stage. She enlists an actor named William Shakespeare to present her play as his own, setting the stage for one of history’s greatest literary mysteries.
The novel’s dual timelines converge to reveal the sacrifices, risks, and desires that drive both women. Picoult crafts a story about ambition and identity, posing the question: should a writer do whatever it takes to see their story told, even if it means erasing their name?
By Any Other Name Review:
By Any Other Name is an evocative and meticulously researched novel that brings history to life through the eyes of two resilient women. Jodi Picoult masterfully balances the dual narratives, creating a seamless blend of historical and contemporary fiction. The character of Emilia Bassano, based on a real historical figure often speculated to have influenced Shakespeare’s work, is particularly captivating. Picoult's portrayal of Emilia’s struggles and triumphs is both inspiring and heartbreaking, offering readers a poignant look at the limitations placed on women in the arts.
The novel’s exploration of authorship and identity is timely and thought-provoking, particularly in its examination of the lengths women have gone to have their voices heard. The intertwining of Melina and Emilia’s stories emphasizes the persistence of these issues across time, making By Any Other Name not just a historical novel but a commentary on the ongoing fight for equality in the arts.
Picoult’s prose is as compelling as ever, with rich descriptions and a narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The novel's themes of courage, ambition, and the cost of fame resonate deeply, making it a standout addition to Picoult’s body of work.
Similar Books Like By Any Other Name:
If you enjoyed By Any Other Name, you might also love these emotionally charged novels:
- The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish – A dual-timeline novel that tells the story of a modern-day historian and a 17th-century Jewish scribe, exploring themes of intellectual freedom and historical identity.
- Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell – A historical novel that imagines the life of William Shakespeare's family, particularly focusing on the untold story of his son Hamnet and the emotional depth behind Shakespeare’s work.
- The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow – This novel reimagines the life of Mary Bennet, one of the less explored characters from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, highlighting her struggles for recognition and identity.
