In By Any Other Name, Jodi Picoult manages to construct a compelling narrative that challenges the traditional social structures of the past and present through the lens of literary history. The novel is a bold reimagining of the life of Emilia Bassano, an Elizabethan woman of letters whose voice is stifled by the constraints of her time, and her descendant, Melina Green, who grapples with the continuing echoes of those constraints in the modern world.
Picoult’s novel is an impressive example of dual narrative structure, seamlessly linking the lives of Emilia and Melina across centuries. Her meticulous research underpins the authenticity of the historical setting, while her nuanced characterisation of Melina offers a mirror to the ongoing struggles for recognition (the glass ceiling in industry, for example) faced by women today. The book presents to the reader perhaps the most provocative literature question of all: what if the revered works of Shakespeare were, in fact, penned by a woman whose name has been erased from history?
The narrative is full with the themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of artistic integrity. Emilia’s story is particularly poignant; as a courtesan and the Lord Chamberlain’s mistress, she navigates a treacherous path to express her creativity, ultimately paying a man to claim her work as his own. This act of self-erasure is echoed in Melina’s contemporary dilemma, as she considers whether to allow her male friend to take credit for her play to ensure its production.
Picoult’s prose is both elegant and accessible, capturing the essence of each timeline with a distinct voice that resonates with the reader. The Elizabethan era is brought to life with vivid detail, while the present-day narrative pulses with the immediacy of Melina’s frustrations and triumphs in the face of systemic sexism.
Critics may debate Picoult’s conjecture on Shakespearean authorship, but the strength of By Any Other Name lies in its exploration of the universal human desire to be remembered. The novel is a testament to the unseen and unheard voices throughout history and a reminder of the power of storytelling to reclaim those voices.
The book’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the reader to fully engage with the emotional depth of the characters’ journeys. While some may find the dual timeline structure challenging, it serves as a powerful device to highlight the parallels and progress (or lack thereof) in women’s roles in society and the arts.
By Any Other Name is a thought-provoking and deeply moving novel that transcends the boundaries of historical fiction. It is a celebration of resilience and the enduring spirit of creativity. Picoult has crafted a narrative that not only entertains but also invites reflection on the narratives we accept as truth and the voices we choose to amplify or silence. This is a must-read for fans of Shakespeare, historical fiction enthusiasts, and anyone who champions the untold stories of women. It is a call for increased recognition and a beautifully rendered ode to those who write themselves into history, one way or another.
Reviewer: Chris Reed
Allen & Unwin
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