Description

The Number 1 New York Times bestseller from the author of My Sister’s Keeper and Mad Honey

‘Her best one yet’ JOJO MOYES

‘A timeless classic’ CHRIS WHITAKER

Student playwright Melina Green finds that even in New York, her words will struggle to make the stage, when the power is held by men. Inspired by the life of her ancestor Emilia Bassano, a gifted and witty storyteller herself, Melina takes a lesson from history, and submits a play under a male pseudonym . . .

As Melina discovers more of Emilia’s extraordinary life in Elizabethan England, she is determined to right the wrongs of the past – and finally tell her story.

Two women – centuries apart – are both forced to hide behind another name.

But can either make their voices heard?

***

‘A likeable heroine and a fun, readable evocation of Elizabethan court life and theatre’ The Times

‘Stunning. So interesting, clever, educational and moving. One of the best books I’ve read in recent times’ GILLIAN McALLISTER

‘[An] inspiring work of feminist literature’ ELLE

‘Had me absolutely captivated . . . I loved all the questions this novel raised about who gets to tell which stories and how complex that can become. Jodi Picoult is a genius’ JENNIFER SAINT

‘Timely and affecting . . . Picoult’s many, many fans will pounce on her latest incisive, pot-stirring tale’ BOOKLIST, Starred

‘You’ll fall in love with Emilia Bassano, the unforgettable heroine based on a real woman that Picoult brings vividly to life. Book clubs will embrace this rich, inspiring story’ KRISTIN HANNAH

‘A blend of historical fiction and modern-day settings, the novel gives us timelines that intertwine and surprise. Picoult has done her research’ HARPER’S BAZAAR

‘Picoult creates a richly detailed portrait of daily life in Elizabethan England, from sumptuous castles to seedy hovels. . . A vibrant tale of a remarkable woman’ KIRKUS

Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestseller, April 2023
Jodi Picoult’s books have sold 40 million copies worldwide, BBC May 2024
Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestseller, September 2024

Publisher Review

Stunning. So interesting, clever, educational and moving. One of the best books I've read in recent times -- Gillian McAllister, bestselling author of Wrong Place, Wrong Time By Any Other Name had me absolutely captivated . . . I loved all the questions this novel raised about who gets to tell which stories and how complex that can become. The importance of women's role in storytelling is something very close to my heart, and this was such a thought-provoking, evocative, fascinating and moving exploration of the topic. Jodi Picoult is a genius and this might be my favourite of her books so far -- Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ariadne Perennial best-seller Picoult takes on another hot-button topic sure to ignite controversy and conversation: the question of Shakespearean authorship. . . . [A] timely and affecting tale. . . . Picoult's many, many fans will pounce on her latest incisive, pot-stirring tale, while the Shakespearean theme will attract even more readers * Booklist, Starred * You'll fall in love with Emilia Bassano, the unforgettable heroine based on a real woman that Picoult brings vividly to life in her brilliantly-researched new novel. Jodi Picoult's books always start passionate conversations, and this one is sure to get people talking. Book clubs will embrace this rich, inspiring story -- Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale A blend of historical fiction and modern-day settings, the novel gives us timelines that intertwine and surprise . . . This one is definitely for fans of Shakespeare's work; Picoult has done her research * Harper's Bazaar * Picoult creates a richly detailed portrait of daily life in Elizabethan England, from sumptuous castles to seedy hovels. . . . It's Emilia's story, and Picoult lovingly brings her to life. A vibrant tale of a remarkable woman * Kirkus * [An] inspiring work of feminist literature * Elle * Praise for Jodi Picoult * : * Emotional and enlightening * WOMAN & HOME * The twist halfway through is a jaw-to-the-floor moment * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING * A perfect choice for your book clubs * PRIMA * She is the master of her craft * DAILY MAIL * Important, propulsive and gripping -- GILLIAN MCALLISTER A powerfully evocative story of the resilience and triumph of the human spirit -- TAYLOR JENKINS REID Extraordinary -- GRAHAM NORTON It is hard to exaggerate how well Picoult writes * FINANCIAL TIMES * A writer the world needs to be reading right now * INDEPENDENT * Her intelligent, meticulously researched novels explore ethical dilemmas through heartrending, headline-grabbing scenarios * THE SUNDAY TIMES * Incredibly compelling and page turning -- DOLLY ALDERTON An addictive read packed with twists and turns * CLOSER * Picoult, once again, grabs a razor-sharp issue and uses her brilliantly intricate pen to expose all the shades of grey with perfection * COSMOPOLITAN * There are writers who try and do what Picoult does, and then there's Picoult * MARIE CLAIRE * Jodi Picoult is that rare, one-in-a-million writer whose books both squeeze your heart and expand your mind * EMILY HENRY *