Review of By Any Other Name

Book Review of By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult.

“There was such magic in language. It could bring you to tears, pull you to the edge of your seat, make you sigh with relief. It could draw you out of the world when you needed to escape, and at other times hold up a looking glass to the world as it was.”
― Jodi Picoult, By Any Other Name

Jodi Picoult has long been known for her ability to weave compelling narratives with intricate relationships and deeply researched themes. By Any Other Name is no exception—it was an absolute page-turner that I couldn’t put down. The story unfolds with Picoult’s signature blend of emotional depth and thought-provoking storytelling. Her writing style is immersive, drawing the reader into the characters’ lives and struggles with ease. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is Picoult’s meticulous research. The exploration of Shakespeare’s life and legacy completely drew me in, and I now find myself obsessed with learning more—so kudos to her for that! The historical elements are woven seamlessly into the story, adding depth and intrigue. While the novel kept me engaged from start to finish, I found myself wishing it had taken a more unexpected direction. Picoult’s ability to craft an engaging, emotionally driven story is undeniable. The characters feel real, and the research elevates the novel beyond a typical contemporary read. However, while I enjoyed the book, it didn’t surprise me as much as I had hoped. There were moments where I wished the story had taken a less expected route, but that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.

Final thoughts: If you love Shakespeare, well-researched fiction or just an engrossing read, this book is worth picking up! It may not be my favorite of her novels, but it definitely left an impact.

Book Review by Ashton Loren Ryan