By Any Other Name

Published in 2024, Jodi Picoult’s novel By Any Other Name tells the entwined stories of Melina Green and Emilia Bassano, two female playwrights who struggle for recognition. In Elizabethan England, Emilia fights against her social class and her destiny to write plays anonymously, publishing them under the name William Shakespeare. In contemporary New York, Melina struggles to have her work taken seriously in the theater industry and eventually presents her work under a male pseudonym. A New York Times bestselling author, Picoult has written 28 novels, several of which have been adapted for the screen. Her work is known for tackling difficult subjects, including many contemporary social issues, and for its rich and empathetic characterization. In her author’s note, Picoult mentions that she was drawn to Bassano’s story because it illuminated issues still facing female artists in current society. By Any Other Name includes the themes of The Struggle for Female Autonomy, The Invisibility of Women's Work, and The Power of Authorship and Voice.

This guide refers to the e-book version of the 2024 Random House edition.

Content Warning: This guide discusses child loss, domestic violence, sexual assault, abortion, racism, antisemitism, and anti-gay bias.