This was such an interesting, well researched and moving story with an immediately intriguing premise. I do love a 'what if' story that takes a well known historical period and gives it a twist. In this case we're given an alternative Tudor literary history that explores the possibility that acknowledged poet Emilia Bassano/Lanier was the true author of some of the most famous plays ever written - in other words, what if William Shakespeare was just a front for a female playwright, the acceptable face for Tudor England society.

I will admit I didn't look too in depth into the premise beyond that key question as I was absolutely drawn in by that alone which did mean I was a little disappointed when it opened up with a modern storyline. Mel is a likeable enough character but wasn't what I wanted from the book. I was much more taken with Emilia's story and was absolutely swept away by her chapters. 

The modern timeline felt a little like a rude interruption at times and whilst I understood why the stories were running in parallel I found myself resenting it, especially as how that story was going to unfold was very clearly signposted from minute one. Despite those misgivings, and being proven pretty much correct on every point, Mel's story did wrap up nicely but I overall found Emilia's story to be much stronger, engaging and moving. 

I really enjoyed seeing her story develop over the pages and felt much more attached to her so when her story came to its close I found myself profoundly touched by the final pages which were beautifully written.

This was my first Jodi Picoult and I thought her writing style was wonderfully fluid and easy to read and really brought into her world through her words. As a Shakespeare fan I had a smile every time I saw something from a play or sonnet woven into the story helping shape Emilia's experience. Despite my discomfort about the early years of her relationship with Hunsdon due to her age (unfortunately a common enough occurrence during that time) I thought that Picoult navigated it well and really gave context to the situation.

Having read Rachel Blackmore's Costanza earlier this year which a full fictionalised biography, I was left feeling a little disappointed that we had the dual timeline for this story as I wanted to be fully swept up in Emilia's life without distraction. However, overall I can understand why it was written this way and it does work and is an important perspective that gives this book a different edge so it doesn't sit purely in the historical fiction category.

This book may not work for all and it may feel a little long for some but I highly recommend reading it because the historical chapters are captivating and fully draws you into that world.

3.75* rounded up

Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for a digital review copy of "By Any Other Name" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.