By Any Other Name
by Jodi Picoult
Narrated by Billie Fulford-Brown, Laura Benanti, Jodi Picoult, Jayne Entwistle, Andrew Fallaize, Joe Jameson, John Lee, Nicholas Guy Smith, Simon Vance, Steve West
Why Listen to This Audiobook?
Jodi Picoult narrates her own novel — alongside nine others — to argue that Shakespeare's genius wasn't Shakespeare's.
- Great if you want: dual-timeline historical fiction about female authorship and erasure
- Listening experience: rich and layered; two eras unfold in parallel, rewards patient listeners
- Narration: ten-voice ensemble with distinct period textures; Picoult's own cameo adds intimacy
- Skip if: Shakespeare authorship debates feel academic rather than emotional to you
About This Audiobook
Centuries apart, two women navigate the treacherous waters of creative ambition in a world determined to silence their voices. In 1581 London, Emilia Bassano possesses extraordinary literary talent but faces the rigid constraints of Elizabethan society, where women's artistic contributions remain invisible. Meanwhile, contemporary playwright Melina Green discovers her connection to Emilia while struggling with her own battles against modern theater's persistent gender bias. When circumstances force both women to consider hiding their work behind male names, they must confront the devastating choice between artistic recognition and personal integrity.
The ensemble cast of ten skilled narrators transforms this dual timeline narrative into a rich theatrical experience. Each voice brings distinct characterization to their roles, with Laura Benanti's musical theater background particularly illuminating the emotional depth of both eras. The multiple perspectives create an immersive quality that mirrors the layered storytelling within the novel itself, while the narrators' varied accents and inflections authentically capture both Elizabethan grandeur and contemporary urgency. Author Jodi Picoult's own participation adds intimate authenticity to this exploration of artistic legacy and the enduring struggle for creative recognition.