The Names by Florence Knapp
Fiction
2025
Finished on October 19, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
The extraordinary novel that asks: Can a name change the course of a life?
In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register the birth of her son. Her husband, Gordon, respected in the community but a controlling presence at home, intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and name the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates....
Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of their lives, shaped by Cora's last-minute choice of name. In richly layered prose, The Names explores the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities for autonomy and healing.
Through a prism of what-ifs, Florence Knapp invites us to consider the "one ... precious life" we are given. Full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark. It is the story of one family and love's endless capacity to endure, no matter what fate has in store.
I've been on a roll! The Names was another remarkable read, and one I won't soon forget despite the harsh depiction of domestic violence. There are three distinct threads, carefully woven together to create an exquisite tale of one family and how the naming of a child can determine not only the life of a young boy, but also that of each member of his family. Florence Knapp delivers an ambitious and impressive debut work. My only regret is that I didn't jot down the names of each set of characters and their relationships in each version of Bear/Julian/Gordon's life. It was only when I was at the halfway point that I realized some of the secondary characters were in each storyline, but with different roles. What a provocative story!
I loved The Names and want to read it again, so I'll recommend it to my book group for our 2026 calendar. Florence Knapp is one to watch. Highly recommend!
Nice review! I am almost done with it and was confused at first but quickly saw the format shows three different time lines.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tina! It is a bit of a tricky book, at least at the beginning. I loved how some characters showed up in each thread, but with different roles. Definitely one to read a second time!
DeleteI started this on audio ... but the second thread sort of threw me and I put it down. But I think I will start it all over again. Did you do the print version or audio? Just wondering which is best.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I read the print edition. If the narration is good on audio, I'd stick with that. Just make a note of the characters in each thread, as you go. If the transitions between chapters aren't well-defined, I'd go with the print edition.
DeleteI recommended it for my book club and they put it on the schedule for next year. I liked this book a lot, and I think it will offer up a great deal to discuss.
ReplyDeleteDeb, I agree. I think there's a lot of depth to this story, which should provide much to a discussion. I'm still thinking about the characters.
DeleteWe tried to discuss this book at book club and got ourselves all tangled up. It was hard to keep every thread straight, especially when considering the secondary characters. It became hilarious that we couldn't do it even when we all put our heads together.
ReplyDeleteAnne, this is so good to know! If my group does decide to read this one, I'll be sure to tell them to take careful notes with character outlines for each thread. Lol!
DeleteOk. Adding this to my TBR list, thank you!
ReplyDeleteOooh, you're gonna love it, Helen. Be sure to take notes of the characters!
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