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A review by emma_therabbithole
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
5.0
While I would happily read Jodi Picoult’s shopping list and have devoured everything she has ever read, I do have favourites, My Sister’s Keeper, Nineteen Minutes, The Pact and A Spark of Light among them. Added to this list is now By Any Other Name.
When I read that she was writing a book about how Emilia Bassano was behind Shakespeare’s writing, I was very excited to find out more. As ever Jodi’s research shines through, it’s one of the things I love most about her books - that she puts so much into the research element. And it shows.
Told from two points of view, Emilia Bassano in Elizabethan England, and her ancestor in modern day, Melina Green, a budding playwright whose confidence was undermined at a pivotal moment early in her career. Of the two, I preferred Emilia. Strong, forthright and dealing with the hand she was dealt contrasted with Melina, who I have to say at times I found a tad whiny and entitled. My heart broke over and over again for Emilia, and that she continually picked herself up and made the best of things was inspiring to say the least.
An easy five star read, reading on holiday I’ve been desperate to return to my sun lounger in the shade for long sessions devouring the pages!
When I read that she was writing a book about how Emilia Bassano was behind Shakespeare’s writing, I was very excited to find out more. As ever Jodi’s research shines through, it’s one of the things I love most about her books - that she puts so much into the research element. And it shows.
Told from two points of view, Emilia Bassano in Elizabethan England, and her ancestor in modern day, Melina Green, a budding playwright whose confidence was undermined at a pivotal moment early in her career. Of the two, I preferred Emilia. Strong, forthright and dealing with the hand she was dealt contrasted with Melina, who I have to say at times I found a tad whiny and entitled. My heart broke over and over again for Emilia, and that she continually picked herself up and made the best of things was inspiring to say the least.
An easy five star read, reading on holiday I’ve been desperate to return to my sun lounger in the shade for long sessions devouring the pages!