By Any Other Name

Focusing on the struggles of two women across centuries, this novel explores themes of ambition and the quest for recognition. Melina Green, a contemporary playwright, grapples with the aftermath of a harsh critique and the legacy of her ancestor, Emilia Bassano, a talented poet and possible author of Shakespeare's works. As Melina's friend submits her play under a male pseudonym, Emilia navigates her constrained life as a courtesan while secretly writing. Their intertwined stories highlight the fight for artistic voice against societal prejudices.