Jodi Picoult delivers another captivating and thought-provoking novel with “By Any Other Name”. Initially, I approached the book with some hesitation, given its connection to Shakespeare—a subject I’ve never quite enjoyed since high school, where our interpretations were confined to a single "correct" view. However, Picoult’s exploration of this timeless debate—whether Shakespeare was truly the sole author of his works—won me over completely.

The novel brilliantly weaves together the lives of two women: Emilia Bassano, speculated to have been one of the true voices behind Shakespeare’s plays, and Melina, her modern-day descendant who also faces the challenges of being a female playwright. Across centuries, both women struggle for recognition in a world that historically silenced their contributions.

What makes this novel remarkable is the depth of research that Picoult clearly put into her narrative. Though “By Any Other Name” is a work of fiction, it convincingly explores the theory that Shakespeare may not have been solely responsible for his legacy, especially when it comes to his portrayal of strong, feminist characters. The novel bravely questions how a man of his era could create such progressive female roles while seemingly neglecting to educate his own daughters on these very issues. This angle breathes new life into the debate over Shakespeare’s authorship, a subject scholars have long grappled with but which is often fiercely guarded by his most devoted followers.

Picoult’s storytelling keeps the reader turning pages, eager to uncover more of the "truth" behind these characters and their contributions. Whether or not you subscribe to the theory that Shakespeare had help, this novel is well worth your time. “By Any Other Name” has become one of my favorite reads this year, and I highly recommend it. It’s a fascinating, enjoyable, and eye-opening book.