I don’t ever remember being at a loss for words because a novel was so good. This debut is that novel. It has a unique premise, sympathetic main characters, just beautiful writing, and is thought-provoking besides. Yes, there is abuse, but the author also shows compassion, thoughtfulness, and caring between those same family members. Check out the book’s synopsis, then read THE NAMES.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for the ARC to read and review.

Trigger warning: Domestic violence, physical and mental abuse.

Florence Knapp's debut novel is storytelling at its best. It's really three stories in one about the Atkin family, all arising and splitting off from the day Cora Atkin chooses a name for her baby boy.

Cora's husband, Dr Gordon Atkin, expects his son will bear his name but Cora hates the idea that sharing his name may also mean the boy might share his father's abusive personality. What if she could pick a different name and change that? As they walk to town to register his name, Cora and her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, discuss what they'd each like to name the baby. Cora thinks she'd like to name him Julian, which she says means 'sky father.' Would that idea honor her husband enough that he'd be willing to accept it instead? Maia thinks her baby brother should be named Bear, because he seems soft and cuddly, and maybe he'd grow up to be brave and strong one day. The author then explores the consequences of each of these name choices on their lives.

As the book moves forward in time from 1987 to 2022, these three separate story lines advance seven years each time in alternating chapters and we watch these same characters live completely different lives, like alternate realities. I don't think I've ever encountered a plot that explores that concept quite like this one--very inventive and quite a remarkable novel.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for offering me an arc of this debut novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Florence Knapp, and Penguin Group Viking Penguin: Pamela Dorman Books for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Such a thought-provoking read. What’s truly in a name, and does a name have power to influence who we are? Knapp explores this idea by following 3 separate storylines based on what a baby is named: Bear, Julian, and Gordon. The structure is extremely well done, and I never felt lost or confused in any of the scenarios. I thought the time jump of each section worked well to truly follow the characters across multiple years and give them growth. I also liked how as readers, we got to see slight perspectives from the other family members (like Cora and Maia) in various chapters, as that helped to paint the picture of events occurring. Each name’s story felt truly complete, and I was impressed by how well Knapp divided attention across the stories. It never felt like one was the “primary” timeline, and instead I was equally invested in finding out what was happening. Personally, I believe my favorite story was Bear’s, but there were aspects across all the names that I highly enjoyed. This was not always an easy read, but I appreciated the reflection this book provided me. I also thought the ending had a twist I wasn’t expecting, so I commend Knapp for her expert treatment of a book that could have been a mess if not done properly!

Starting with a fork in the road, I admired the way this one was structured so much. Knapp managed to break my heart in multiple ways for different versions of the same characters. I think what I admired the most is that in all of the roads taken there are highlights and lowlights, which made all of these scenarios feel really true to life (although I naively want to believe the husband’s awfulness was a bit exaggerated). It’s clear that a lot of thought went into all the names used here and there is so much character building as we get glimpses of what has happened to everyone every seven years. I can definitely see this one being a hit in book clubs for discussion and I overall found this to be a strong and memorable debut with a very unique concept.

Devastating, thoughtful, thought provoking, poignant and ultimately hopeful. This story of a family dealing with domestic abuse is unique in its construction and that makes it all the more interesting. Cora sets off to register her new son's name with her daughter Maia and sets off a chain of events that varies depending on the name she chooses-Bear, Julian, or Gordon after his father. Knapp takes us to each variation of their lives every seven years as the children mature and Cora, well, no spoilers. It's fascinating because you'll see how the boy reacts to others around him and lives his life. Certain people reappear (Lily for example) but in different circumstances. And Maia is different in each variation as well, One constant is their grandmother, who never falters in caring for these three. My only quibble with this is the epilogue which was for me unnecessary. This became a page turner for me as the boy with three names evolved. It's a terrific debut. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Highly recommend.

I adored this book, I thought it was incredible. So sad, so moving and would make great discussion. Heavy subject matter but so well done.

A new baby—one of the greatest gifts in life. It’s no wonder why we place such importance on picking out baby names. A new baby represents our hopes and dreams for the future as the child grows and carries on our family line.

Cora, upon the birth of her little boy, is told by her husband that the baby will be named after him and his father before him. It is a family name and it’s tradition for the first son to share that name.

Cora has another name in mind and her young daughter also offers a name suggestion. Cora has her reasons for not wanting to name the baby after her husband. They are very valid reasons. So what happens when Cora deviates from tradition?

This story offers three scenarios using Cora’s name choice, her daughter’s choice, and the name of her husband. How does the child’s life turn out with each name? What about the repercussions of the name choice for their family and especially for Cora?

I was hooked on the story right away and couldn’t wait to see what life had in store for each name chose.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking Penguin/Pamela Dorman Books for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am pleased to offer my honest review and recommend the books to other readers.

This is a special book that I knew within the first few pages was likely to be a five-star read. When I finished it, I knew without a doubt that this book will be in contention for my favorite book of the year. Knapp examines the question of what is in a name with this unique, beautifully written novel. At the start of the book, Cora and her nine-year-old daughter Maia are setting off together to register the birth of Cora's son. Cora's husband Gordon, a respected doctor in the community but a violent abuser behind closed doors at home, wants his son to be named after him. Knapp takes the reader through three separate lives - in one, Cora lets Maia name the child Bear. In another, Cora gives her son the name Julian, and in the third timeline Cora accedes to Gordon's wishes and names their son Gordon. Knapp proceeds to check in at seven-year intervals in the three different storylines, and the profound differences not just in the son, but in the whole family, are thoroughly engrossing. An astounding debut. Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for a digital review copy.

4.5 stars
Wow--very impressive debut novel! This is the story of a family traumatized by domestic abuse. It starts with the mother going to register her new baby's name. The book follows 3 possible timelines based on the 3 names she is considering (her choice, her husband's choice, and her daughter's choice). The impact of the name on the child and on the rest of the family is examined every 7 years. Unique premise and structure and very well done.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

This contains three alternate versions of one boys life - each following how things would unfold if he had a different name. How much of our lives is up to circumstance, nature vs. nurture, etc. I was worried that premise would come off as gimmicky but the author pulls it off. And boy can she WRITE. These characters grow and change in ways that really have you rooting for their happiness. There’s a large focus of domestic violence that I wasn’t anticipating and was very hard to read but handled with care. Would be a great book for discussion.

This story follows a family across three alternate timelines, with the youngest child given a different name in each. As a parent, I found the premise deeply intriguing - doesn’t every parent at least briefly consider how something as simple as a name might influence the course of a child’s life?

What I didn’t expect was that the main focus of the story would be domestic abuse. While the child’s name does play a role, the bigger differences between the timelines come from how the father reacts to each name and the focus on abuse overshadowed the story’s original, intriguing premise. Readers should be aware that the book contains scenes of domestic violence that may be triggering.

The book is structured with separate chapters for each of the three timelines, jumping ahead seven years with each new section. While this format is creative, I found it confusing at times and it was difficult to stay fully engaged.

Despite my mixed feelings, Florence Knapp’s writing is strong and compelling. I’d be interested in reading more of her work in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book! I thought the premise might be a bit contrived but it worked so well. My one warning to readers, start keeping track of the other characters in the different timelimes because their lives change also. It can get confusing.

First of all, I want to say a huge thanks to Pamela Dorman Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

The Name by Florence Knapp starts with a choice: what will Cora name her son? Gordon, after her violent, traditional husband? Julian, a name she chose herself but could potentially sway her husband to accept? Or perhaps Bear, the whimsical suggestion of her nine-year-old daughter? The narrative then dives into three different timelines, all trying to answer the question: does your name really dictate who you are?

I was immediately enthralled by this book. Right from the start, the writing was thoughtful, lyrical, almost poetic. This is especially welcome as we quickly learn the reality of Cora’s life: that she has to register her new son’s name, and that single choice could have catastrophic consequences for her or her children. In naming her son Bear, it is an act of defiance. Naming him Julian is an act of surrender, an attempt to placate a man who despises the very possibility of his wife’s independence. But naming the new baby Gordon, after his father, is in itself an act of violence: towards the child, towards her husband, towards Cora herself. She seems to condemn her relationship with her newborn to one of resentment, to stay safe in an unsafe marriage. But it is also an act of survival—a theme that remains prevalent throughout the rest of the book. How do you survive in the wake of learned, and potentially inherited, trauma?

The concept that naming someone essentially solidifies their personhood, and possibly their personality, rings so true, even if it’s not something we think about regularly. I love the exploration of how patronymic tradition, for example, can lay burdens on a child that they shouldn’t have to experience before they have a semblance of true cognition. Cora’s awareness of the nuance in her surroundings is so perfectly articulated. It’s heart-wrenching, knowing that her attention to detail stems from living on the edge with her violent husband. But it feels like an accurate portrayal of what it must be like to live in such a tenuous, volatile space. Seeing how Maia copes, even at a young age, to avoid her father’s anger is terrifying. Even though I haven’t experienced such a situation myself, it was difficult at times to read through Cora, Maia and the son’s experiences because it felt so visceral.

Despite the difficult subject matter, I truly loved reading this book. It’s a departure from my usual fantasy repertoire, and I’m so glad that I took it. Overall, it is a beautiful yet disquieting character study, with flowing prose that deftly navigates the reality of those living in a violent domestic environment, and how our choices can prove to define not just ourselves, but those around us.

Review posted on TheStoryGraph: April 24, 2025 (https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/d9ab9150-693a-40f1-88f3-276fe75fcbdc)
Review posted on Instagram: April 26, 2025 (I can't find the link, but it's on @seekayread!)

Florence Knapp’s The Names is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel built around an irresistible premise: how the simple act of choosing a different name for a baby could shift the life trajectories of an entire family. Knapp explores the ripple effects of identity, fate, and choice with sensitivity and lyrical prose, weaving together the different possibilities in a way that feels both intimate and expansive.

While the shifting narratives and timelines can get a little confusing at times, the emotional core remains strong throughout. Knapp’s deep compassion for her characters and her elegant writing style make The Names a moving and memorable read.

This debut novel has two of my favorite bookish draws - an utterly unique premise and lots to talk about! The Names opens with a young mother deciding between three different names for her newborn son. From that point, the story explores three alternate narratives based on the mother choosing each of these three potential names. From the outset, I thought I knew exactly where each storyline was headed, but I was completely wrong on all accounts - which I loved. Knapp examines the ripple effects of domestic violence and the various ways our environments and our choices can shape our future. A thought provoking read great for book clubs!

I read this creative debut novel in one sitting. I loved the three different timelines based on the names Cora chose for her son in each scenario. Each timeline and each version of Bear/Julian/Gordon Jr. was so unique and clear, that I was never confused. I will gladly read anything Knapp writes in the future.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ebook ARC of this novel. It’s a great read for anyone who enjoys a compelling family drama with lots of emotion. It’s three stories in one. Each story has the same four main characters, but the youngest child is given a different name in each story, which results in each of the four person’s life having a different outcome.

What a beautiful telling of the assumed power of a name given to a child. We follow the born baby of Cora and Gordon. The assumption is made and Cora is told to register the newborn with the father's name of Gordon. We follow 3 distinct names chosen for the baby and then follow the repercussions of the name chosen through the decades told in 7 year increments. It's almost a sliding door book but showing 3 versions of this baby's life and his family.

I really enjoyed each of the storylines. The power of the individual, some nature versus nurture at play, circumstances that play out, it was really interesting to watch. That said, the stories were pretty distinct, BUT, I had to work hard to be aware of which name and storyline I was following and what the time period was. For this reason, I think listening to this on audio could be problematic. You need to pay very close attention to each name and storyline when it switches.

A lot to think on and discuss on this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for the gifted e-ARC of this book.

Fans of Kate Atkinson will absolutely devour this transcendent novel about the power of a name. Regardless of what he's called - the protagonist lives three lives with love, sadness, hope, and family at the core. Readers will weep with joy and loss throughout this tale of three boys, three lives, three families. An unforgettable book by a gifted writer.

When I got the email recommending this book to me, I couldn’t say yes fast enough! It sounded so unique and interesting! I will start by saying, I picked this one up one night and read about 100 pages so fast. It is beautifully written and thought-provoking. Then I found myself not wanting to pick it up the next day! I think the subject matter was depressing and it was so heartbreaking, the middle was hard to get through. But once I got through that little funk, I blew through it. I couldn’t stop telling everyone how much I loved it. It really is such an extraordinary novel that I cannot believe is a debut! I think it would make a great book club pick to discuss. I will be talking about this book for awhile and anxiously anticipating what the author has for us next!