In a recent interview, bestselling American author Jodi Picoult shared insights into her latest work, *By Any Other Name*. This novel intertwines two narratives that delve into the historical neglect of women’s creativity, portraying both a modern playwright and a character from the Tudor era. Picoult, who has long addressed significant social issues in her books, first expressed concerns about sexism in literature back in 2010. Despite her extensive body of work—30 novels tackling topics like gun control and LGBTQ+ rights—she has often felt her writing has been dismissed as mere “beach reads,” a perception she argues would not exist if her books had been authored by men like Jonathan Franzen or Jeffrey Eugenides.
In *By Any Other Name*, readers are introduced to Emilia Bassano, a character first proposed by historian A.L. Rowse as the mysterious Dark Lady of Shakespeare’s sonnets. Picoult reimagines Bassano not just as a figure in Shakespeare’s narrative, but as the true author behind his acclaimed works. The novel draws connections between Shakespeare’s seemingly privileged education and Emilia’s aristocratic upbringing, shedding light on how her life experiences likely influenced the Bard’s legendary writings. In contemporary Manhattan, Melina, a young playwright, struggles with her self-confidence after receiving harsh feedback for her debut work. As a descendant of Bassano, Melina is convinced of Emilia’s role as the true author of Shakespeare’s plays.
Through her narrative, Picoult raises thought-provoking questions, particularly regarding how a “glover’s son” from Stratford could possess knowledge of royal court manners or the intricate details found in *Hamlet* and *Othello*. Melina argues, “Every gap in Shakespeare’s life or knowledge that has to be explained away by scholars, she somehow fills.”
While some critics might contest the idea that Shakespeare lacked the standing to be a literary genius, Picoult challenges this stereotype. Her depiction of Shakespeare in *By Any Other Name* emphasizes the complex interplay between Emilia’s intellect and Shakespeare’s subsequent fame. The story reveals Emilia’s struggles as she becomes a concubine to the Lord Chamberlain, which allows her unique talents to thrive despite the overshadowing male authorship.
However, Picoult’s modern characterization of Emilia has faced criticism, with some reviewers noting that she resembles a contemporary feminist more than a figure from Tudor England. The modern descriptions, at times, fall short of the depth and sophistication evident in the works of authors like Maggie O’Farrell in *Hamnet* or Tom Stoppard in *Shakespeare in Love*.
Although Picoult’s ambitious narrative spans over 500 pages, some critiques suggest that the contemporary storyline often feels more like a platform for polemic rather than a seamless continuation of Emilia’s historical arc. While the challenges faced by Melina reflect current issues in the arts, some argue that the modern narrative detracts from the captivating historical drama set in Tudor England, where Emilia’s life was filled with intrigue, romance, and tragic loss.
Picoult also acknowledges the theory put forth by academic Elizabeth Winkler in 2019, suggesting that Shakespeare might have been a woman, highlighting the ongoing discussions about gender and recognition in literature. While her vivid writing and exploration of social justice have garnered her millions of readers, the debate lingers over whether her style matches the literary depth found in the works of some male authors.
In conclusion, *By Any Other Name* reflects on history, inviting readers to reconsider the prevailing narratives about Shakespeare while celebrating the remarkable contributions of women. Picoult’s novel serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition in a field that has historically overlooked female voices.
