4.75 stars

Jodi Picoult does not disappoint. My Sister’s Keeper was the first book that had me crying at a written work, and though I did not cry with By Any Other Name, it’s still just as memorable.

By Any Other Name focuses on two women’s perspectives: Melina, an aspiring playwright in our modern day, and Emilia, her Elizabethan ancestress with quite a lot of similarities. The published synopsis gives away a little much of the story than I would like, so I recommend going into the book with as little information as possible to get its full effects.

Despite being told from two different perspectives and two vastly different time periods, this book is harmonious in every way. It is also compelling to read for that reason, because the reader can’t help but wonder how it all ends for both protagonists and in what way their stories will intersect.

It is also very impressive how Picoult writes dialogue of the Elizabethan time period in a historically accurate yet understandable manner. Though Shakespeare is a heavy matter at hand, the writing itself is not Shakespearean (thankfully).

Also, the sheer amount of research that Picoult had to do for this book (some of which is touched on in the author’s note) is incredible. For example, there is a very controversial topic that is the core of this book (which I will not reveal, but let’s just say Picoult herself anticipates a lot of death threats for it). Although I can’t say I am definitely convinced by one side’s argument over the other, a lot of logical lines of reasoning are brought up in this book that are not easy to dismiss. And for that reason, lovers of Shakespeare and women’s literature need to read this book to see it for themselves.

There are a few drawbacks that make me not give a full 5 star rating. One is that the book runs a tad too long where there’s more than a few scenes that don’t really contribute to the theme or move the story along. In fact, sometimes you might wonder if the stories would be better told between two separate books rather than being squished into the one. But really, it just feels like there are a few too many “intimate” scenes (closed door readers beware), and at times, a whole lot of trauma dumping.

Also, the romances that form for both FMCs come about a little too quickly, seemingly out of nowhere. We see that the romances burn bright, but we don’t really understand how the spark comes about.

And lastly, sometimes the Shakespearean timeline gets so much focus and level of detail, that when we return to the present day timeline, it’s almost underwhelming. How can I care about Melina’s problems (many of which are her own doing) when Emilia has to fight every second to survive the consequences of others’ decisions?

Regardless, By Any Other Name is a must read for anyone who just wants to read a truly good book. Picoult has herself another winner.

Very special thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult is available now wherever books are sold.

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