The Names

by Florence Knapp

Goodreads Description:

In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register her son’s birth. Her husband, Gordon, a local doctor, respected in the community but a terrifying and controlling presence at home, intends for her to name the infant after him. But when the registrar asks what she’d like to call the child, Cora hesitates…

Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of Cora’s and her young son’s lives, shaped by her 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 of autonomy and healing.

With exceptional sensitivity and depth, Knapp draws us into the story of one family, told through a prism of what-ifs, causing us to consider the “one . . . precious life” we are given. The book’s brilliantly imaginative structure, propulsive storytelling, and emotional, gut-wrenching power are certain to make The Names a modern classic.

Helen says: 🤓🤓🤓🤓

In case I haven’t mentioned it, I have thriller fatigue. Just kidding, I have said it in every entry this month!! This was exactly what I was in the mood to read…my favorite genre is contemporary fiction about screwed up families…This novel was like a character driven “choose your own adventure”…it was made up of three alternate universes based on choices. It was really original. Reader beware that it is heavy subject matter and it may not appeal to everyone. If you were a fan of Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life, you will love this story.

Holly says: 🤓🤓🤓🤓1/2

Love it! It’s heavy and very sad at times, but it is so original and so wonderful. I cannot believe this is Florence Knapp’s first novel – I really could not put it down, well except when I sometimes wanted to throw it (see: Gordon – one of the most unredeemed characters you will ever come across). And it’s not really about “the names”, it is about decisions and choices we make. This story is never predictable and it is all encompassing. I highly recommend this one.