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By Any Other Name

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By Any Other Name

By: Jodi Picoult
Narrated by: Billie Fulford-Brown, Jodi Picoult, Laura Benanti, Jayne Entwistle, Joe Jameson, John Lee, Nicholas Guy Smith, Simon Vance, Andrew Fallaize, Steve West
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The #1 New York Times Bestseller

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 Elizabethan London, young Emilia Bassano is a ward of English aristocrats. Her education has endowed her with a sharp wit and a gift for storytelling, but still she is allowed no voice of her own.

Forced to become a mistress to the Lord Chamberlain, who oversees the theatre, Emilia discovers the power of stories to beguile audiences. Secretly, she forms a plan to bring a play of her own to the stage - by paying an actor named William Shakespeare to front her work.

In modern-day Manhattan, playwright Melina Green finds a woman's voice is still worth less than a man's. But, inspired by the life of her ancestor Emilia Bassano, Melina takes a lesson from history and submits a play under a male pseudonym . . .

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.


'Her best one yet. Jodi Picoult has combined her trademark research with an astonishing and heart-rending story, embedded in truth, and turned it into a gripping novel' JOJO MOYES

'Stunning. So interesting, clever, educational and moving. One of the best books I've read in recent times' GILLIAN McALLISTER

'A timeless classic from one of our great storytellers' CHRIS WHITAKER

'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. Jodi Picoult is a genius' JENNIFER SAINT

'[An] inspiring work of feminist literature' ELLE

'Timely and affecting . . . Picoult’s many, many fans will pounce on her latest incisive, pot-stirring tale' BOOKLIST, Starred

'You’ll fall in love with Emilia Bassano, the unforgettable heroine based on a real woman that Picoult brings vividly to life. Book clubs will embrace this rich, inspiring story' KRISTIN HANNAH

'A blend of historical fiction and modern-day settings, the novel gives us timelines that intertwine and surprise. Picoult has done her research' HARPER'S BAZAAR

'Picoult creates a richly detailed portrait of daily life in Elizabethan England, from sumptuous castles to seedy hovels. . . A vibrant tale of a remarkable woman' KIRKUS

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Jodi Picoult (P)2024 Penguin Audio
Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Shakespeare England Heartfelt
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What listeners say about By Any Other Name

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    5 out of 5 stars

What a theory!


Wow what a theory to explore! I bought this because I have loved everything that Jodi has published and didn’t even read the title details. When I did read the blurb, just before starting it I thought oh, not sure this will be my cup of tea. However Jodi transported me to a world of possibility, and I was hooked from start to finish! 5 stars from me, and she’s definitely made me think twice about Mr Shakespeare

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Great listen

Loved the whole concept of this book. Beautiful characters. Will not think of Shakespeare the same

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent

Loved this book, the history, the love story etc. absolutely brilliant. Emilia really came to life.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Never disappoints

So different and yet a similar tale of the oppressed overcoming the oppressor.
Beautifully written and in depth research which should ‘shake’ the literary world

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Really enjoyed this listen

Always love a Jodi book and this was a good one. It felt a very different style from the others I have read but still very enjoyable.

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Well worth the wait

Well written and what I would expect from a favourite writer of mine. It brings women’s issues from the past and identifies their existence in present day wonderfully demonstrating how little we’ve progressed in society as a whole. It’s the research behind this story that floored me though. What can I say except wow. Unfortunately for me I can relate to more of the issues than I’d care to. I know I’ve enjoyed a book when I don’t want it to end and I truly wanted the characters in the story to continue. Can’t wait for Jody’s next book …. as always

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Another great book by Jodi Picoult

How can one person gather so much knowledge and details without traveling g back in those days

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Interesting and different

Once again Jodi writes a completely different book, this was a rather interesting plot…. I can imagine the idea upsetting some people. It’s obvious that an awful lot of research has gone into this book and it certainly raises a lot of issues that back up her theory, making it an enjoyable read.
Well narrated by multiple readers

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Enjoyable polyphonic listen

I liked the use of different actors who all fitted their parts well. I read and listened as I like to observe the author’s style. It really shows JP’s range and I think it helps if you know Shakespeare but also remember this is fiction. The dual narrative is very effective and not easy to do. There’s no doubt that Jodi is a mistress of storytelling

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    2 out of 5 stars
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What a lot of pretentious stuff

Not at all engaging for me. The concept was interesting but the presentation was tedious; if the two can be married together. I’d rather go to the dentist! Disappointing.

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