Book of the Day

Our Review:

"By Any Other Name" by Jodi Picoult is an incredibly well-researched and provocative book that deftly weaves together two historical periods, making us question our understanding of gender equality and the past. Both the modern-day playwright Melina Green and the brilliant 16th-century writer Emilia Bassano—who was compelled to hide behind William Shakespeare's name—face comparable challenges in a male-dominated profession.

Picoult vividly describes Elizabethan England, a time period she researched extensively. A powerful statement on the pervasive gender biases, the similar stories show that women's participation in the arts has not altered much over the past four centuries. Both stories have interesting themes and well-developed characters, but the historical one is more riveting.

The story really shines when it delves into the themes of female drive, perseverance, and what people would do to get their work noticed. Even though Picoult's style is not always consistent, it does a good job of capturing the protagonists' anger and passion. The inclusion of the author's note, which provides crucial context, improves the reading experience.

Shakespeare fans are not the only ones who should read "By Any Other Name"; it is also a rallying cry for the equal pay and historical respect of women's voices. The novel's dual temporal format may be off-putting to some readers, but the novel's topics and the way it combines historical fiction with modern issues are sure to captivate the majority.