By Any Other Name (UK Edition)

What if Shakespeare was a woman? The new dual-timeline novel from the #1 international bestselling author

What if the greatest writer of all time isn’t who we think he is?

What if he isn’t even a he?

Step back four hundred years and discover the female author who hid behind the mask of the man we know as William Shakespeare.

In 1581, Emilia Bassano is allowed no voice of her own. But as the Lord Chamberlain’s mistress she has access to the theatre, and finds a way to bring her work to the stage secretly. And yet, creating some of the world’s greatest dramatic masterpieces comes at a great cost: by paying a man for the use of his name, she will write her own out of history. His name? William Shakespeare...

In modern day New York, playwright Melina Green is determined to see one of her shows make the stage. After years of struggle to be recognised she has finally written again, inspired by the life of her Elizabethan ancestor—Emilia Bassano, England’s first published female poet. Although the challenges are different for her, four hundred years later, a woman’s voice is still not heard like a man’s. But what lengths will she be willing to go to in order to achieve her dreams?

Moving between Elizabethan England and modern-day Manhattan, By Any Other Name is a beautifully written, compelling novel that explores the theme of identity and the ways in which two women, centuries apart—one of whom might just be the real author of Shakespeare’s plays—are both forced to hide behind another name to make their voices heard.

About the Author

Jodi Picoult is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 29 novels, including Mad  Honey (co-authored with Jennifer Finney Boylan), Wish You Were Here, The Book of Two Ways, A Spark of Light, Small Great Things, Leaving Time, and My Sister’s Keeper, and, with daughter Samantha van Leer, two young adult novels, Between the Lines and Off the Page. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband.

Reviews

"Stunning. So interesting, clever, educational and moving. One of the best books I've read in recent times" —Gillian McAllister, bestselling author of Wrong Place, Wrong Time

"By Any Other Name had me absolutely captivated ... I loved all the questions this novel raised about who gets to tell which stories and how complex that can become. The importance of women's role in storytelling is something very close to my heart, and this was such a thought-provoking, evocative, fascinating and moving exploration of the topic. Jodi Picoult is a genius and this might be my favourite of her books so far" —Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ariadne

"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

"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, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale

"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

Dimensions: 15.4 x 4 x 23.4 cm