Scan barcode
bookb1itch's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Better Reading for an advance prrof copy of this book. This is the review I submitted to them:
Jodi Picoult delivers! Told in her trademark addictively realistic style, supported by research into the lives of real characters, she asks: did Shakespeare deserve the accolades showered upon him over the past four centuries? Did he even write most of the plays and poems? Picoult has me convinced - how did he alone achieve such a huge body of work, whilst acting full-time? Also, how could a man who most likely never left England write so convincingly about the Danish court and life in Italy? Not to mention how a humble actor could write with such knowledge of the legal process. Emilia's story is addictive - I just had to know how it was all going to work out for her, if indeed it would. The parallels with Melina's story in the present are extremely unsettling- have we made much progress on the road to equality in over four hundred years? Bottom line, this is a gripping and highly entertaining combination of the stories of two remarkable women, fighting for recognition where men control the narrative. Highly recommended!
Jodi Picoult delivers! Told in her trademark addictively realistic style, supported by research into the lives of real characters, she asks: did Shakespeare deserve the accolades showered upon him over the past four centuries? Did he even write most of the plays and poems? Picoult has me convinced - how did he alone achieve such a huge body of work, whilst acting full-time? Also, how could a man who most likely never left England write so convincingly about the Danish court and life in Italy? Not to mention how a humble actor could write with such knowledge of the legal process. Emilia's story is addictive - I just had to know how it was all going to work out for her, if indeed it would. The parallels with Melina's story in the present are extremely unsettling- have we made much progress on the road to equality in over four hundred years? Bottom line, this is a gripping and highly entertaining combination of the stories of two remarkable women, fighting for recognition where men control the narrative. Highly recommended!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Grief, Death, Classism, Pregnancy, Violence, and Alcohol
Moderate: Miscarriage, Infidelity, Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, and Child death
Minor: Abortion, Antisemitism, Pandemic/Epidemic, War, and Panic attacks/disorders
juanat77's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult is a must buy for me. I read anything written by her without reading the synopsis. She often writes about controversial issues while also educating the reader on a specific subject (my favorite part).
Any Other Name is different from her other novels, while in her other books she often has multiple POVs in the same time period this one has a historical blend to it, taking place in the 1500s and continuing to present day. Picoult shows how some challenges women face really did not change in the past 500 years within a chauvinistic world. This well-researched tale invites us to think, “Did Shakespeare really write his own stories?” This book shows playwright Emilia Bassano’s life in 1500s England and the obstacles she goes through. Due to the time period she lived through, her voice was not valued as a woman and the literary works that she created were not attributed to her, but rather the well-known figure, William Shakespeare who would claim her stories as his own, showcasing the challenges women like Emilia endured during this time and how they were not seen as equals to their male counterparts.
Fast forward to present day, Melina Green, a playwright and descendant of Emilia experiences challenges of her own. Although woman do have more of a voice in present day some things remain the same. Melina faces similar challenges that Emilia experienced in a male dominated Broadway world. She too, hides behind a man so that her play could be taken seriously.
I loved the connection between Emilia and Melina within the story along with how well written it was. I also really appreciated the character of Jasper, the quirky theatre critic, who showed a unique perspective within the text.
Previously to reading this book, I was not incredibly knowledgeable of Shakespeare. Picoult really helps readers who might have a base level understanding of his work learn more about the playwright. This book showcased people who felt unseen and without a voice while also showing the strength and perseverance they had.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read this thought-provoking novel in exchange for an honest review.
Releases 8/20/24
#NetGalley #ByAnyOtherName #randomhouse
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Addiction, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Adult/minor relationship, Violence, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Alcohol, Miscarriage, Abandonment, Alcoholism, War, Abortion, Child death, Cursing, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infertility, Infidelity, Vomit, Injury/Injury detail, and Self harm
More...