What's in a name you ask? Does our name really affect how we live our lives? In this unique and original story, Florence Knapp explores this and more when Cora sets off on a journey to the registrar's office to record her son's birth. Already told by her husband what name she should use, she hesitates and decides for herself. Thus we start exploring 3 different names with three different life outcomes.

Cora's husband is a domineering, controlling man, so domestic violence and generational trauma is also explored. Can you change your fate with a new name? How will each son take advantage of this new start in life and change or keep his intended outcome?
The plotlines unfold over 30 years as we follow the characters throughout their lives to see what happens and how things are different.This was an amazing debut! Well written, and you are really drawn into the different characters' lives and outcomes, becoming vested into their success or otherwise.

Oh this book hurt! Loved the narrative technique of telling three versions of the same story with different attempts to break the generational trauma. There are parts that start to feel a little gratuitous, especially a later death, but still very well done.

Cora sets off to register her son's name, but three different names are suggested, what should she do? told in chapters about the names, interesting story.

Book Review of The Names by Florence Knapp

What a premise for a story! One decision, 3 different outcomes. A young mother is supposed to register her newborn son’s name as Gordon, but instead (and here is where the story begins) does she choose Gordon (after her husband), or Bear or Julian? And we are launched into 3 separate stories based on these 3 different names. I was completely captivated by these 3 timelines and how the each choice leads to different outcomes over 3 plus decades.

The book does deal with spousal abuse, and those small sections are at times very difficult to read.

The book is well written, lyrical, and has solid character development. I found myself unable to put it down. Highly recommend.

Thank you to Net Galley for the Advanced Reader Copy, in exhange for my honest review.

Thank you to Viking and NetGalley for early physical and digital copies of this book!

4.5 stars rounded up

I love this kind of book, one that explores fate, chance, and how much one choice can affect a life. This book explores three different lives of one family based on one decision, a mother choosing a name for her newborn son.

In the first story, Cora goes with the name chosen by her daughter. In the second, she chooses a name that honors her hopes for her son. And in the third, she selects the family name preferred by her husband, who is both physically and emotionally abusive.

We follow these three different versions of a life from 1987 to 2022, in 7 year increments. It’s admittedly a lot of story to keep up with, but I thought the author masterfully used the structure to highlight the long-term ramifications of one single decision. But she also demonstrates that there’s good and bad in every life—there are no “perfect” timelines. I appreciated that she considered how these different storylines would impact the entire family’s dynamic, especially the life of Maia, the older sister.

It’s heart wrenching but also healing to watch these characters grow and develop in these three alternate timelines. Domestic violence is a major theme of this book, and it can be very difficult to read, so keep that in mind before reading. Overall, it’s a fast-paced read that makes you stop and consider the impact of your choices over time.

The Names by Florence Knapp is a very highly recommended literary domestic drama following three alternate scenarios with the same characters. Take note that domestic abuse is a major part of the narrative in this debut novel.

Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register her son's birth. Her husband, Gordon, a local doctor and abusive spouse, demands that she names their son Gordon. Cora likes the name Julian. Maia wants to name her brother Bear. Opening in 1987 and covering a span of thirty-five years, what follows are three different versions of their lives based on the choice of the three different names for her son.

The chapters are all divided by name choice, Bear, Julian, and Gordon, into three parallel timelines and follow the very different scenarios based on the three name choices. There is a seven year jump between chapters until the boy is a 35-year-old man. Each of the timelines is a very different version of the boy's life.

Honestly, if the quality of the writing wasn't so exceptional the rating might have been lower. Opening illustrations based on name choice for each new chapter helps you focus on which boy/name you are reading about, making it easy to keep everything sorted out. All the characters are portrayed as fully realized individuals with strengths and weaknesses, which differ between the name choices and the life lived with that name.

I wasn't entirely sure about how I felt about the three alternate timelines based on a name choice until I had read a good portion of the novel. Initially, I felt two would have been better, but by the time I reached the end I had fully accepted the three different scenarios based on the consequences and implications of a name choice. The domestic violence is a major drawback but does not play a major role is all three timelines.

The Names is a creative, well-written novel that explores how a single decision can influence identity and fate in a family. 4.5 rounded up. Thanks to Penguin Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

I enjoyed the concept of this book and the interchanging of the “names”.
I especially became involved in the sibling’s relationship and their memories of their upbringing.
Most tragic was the theme of spousal abuse.on the surface one would not understand why Cora let herself continue in the abusive relationship. I so much enjoyed how each character came to understand their own evolution.
I must admit I did have some trouble following the past, present and future characterization of Cora.
I loved the connection of the title to the story.

I feel compelled to begin by giving a trigger warning for the domestic violence portrayed in this book. That said, I also feel compelled to say that my personal opinion is that the abusive situation is integral to the story and not gratuitous. I would hate for people to miss this superb story before investigating for themselves whether the violence is a deal-breaker. But everyone needs to decide this for themselves.

The premise of the story is intriguing. When her son is born, mother Cora reflects on what to name him. Her husband wants to name him after himself, and she fears reprisal if she chooses a different name. In the prologue, 9 year old Maia suggests the name Bear (because it would mean the baby was soft and cuddly, but also brave and strong). Cora herself suggests the name Julian, which means “father,” mirroring Maia, which means “mother.”

The rest of the book follows the way the boy’s life might have progressed with each of these names. The sections are divided in seven year intervals, each section containing a chapter each for Bear, Julian and Gordon. As each life plays out, characters live, die, marry, divorce and seek happiness in very different ways. This is my only criticism of the book: it is sometimes hard to keep each story straight, to remember who is dead and who is married to whom, and that took my attention away from thinking about how the characters’ names contributed to their life choices. I may go back and read each story straight through, because I feel there is much more to learn.

This is a debut novel, and that makes it all the more impressive. Like others, I believe this book will end up on “best of” lists at the end of the year, and I would love to see it as a movie. Thanks to Viking Penguin for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Cora, along with her young daughter, goes to the registry office to record her newborn son’s name. Her abusive husband wants the baby named Gordon, after him. Cora prefers the name Julian. And her daughter wants to name her brother Bear.
This novel describes the family at 7 year intervals, but presents three different scenarios at each time period—one for the boy named Bear, one for Julian, and one for Gordon. At first I was confused by this format, but once I understood it, I appreciated the ingenuity.
Bear's, Julian's and Gordon's stories are all different. But each one examines the cost of domestic abuse, and the toll it takes on the woman and on her children.

This is an impressive book. 4.5 stars for me. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC that I would have read sooner but I couldn't get it to download on my Kobo.

For starters I love the overarching premise: one baby boy, three names, three lifetimes told in seven year leaps. What impressed me though was the writing, particularly of the horrid domestic abuse. It was vivid, chilling, and terrifyingly believable, as was the reactions of those just outside of its immediate orbit. This book will stick with me for a while.

Well this was certainly an interesting idea. I enjoyed reading this and loved the writing, but admit I struggled a little with keeping each of the lives straight since the characters overlapped so much.

The Names by Florence Knapp is a powerful, thoughtful, thought provoking, and realistic look at the ripple effects of domestic abuse and violence. A strong caution for those who may be triggered by that topic. Despite warning potential readers, I must also say this is one of the best books I've ever read. It totally blew me away! I'd like to see it win numerous literary awards and be considered an instant classic. I would rate it twenty stars if I could. That's how unique and special this book is.

What's in a name? Quite possibly your future, as well as the futures of those connected to you. Readers follow the Atkin family (Gordon, the father, a doctor; Cora, the mother; Maia, the nine-year-old daughter; and the son Bear/Julian/Gordon, a new-born infant). The author tells the story via point in time descriptions of the life of each family member given every seven years for thirty-five years, beginning in 1987 and ending in 2022. Knapp also provides three alternatives of the family's path based on the name Cora chooses to give her son.

I was drawn to the book by the unusual and original story line. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop, becoming quickly absorbed by the vividness of the characters, the skill displayed in capturing their emotions, and the admirable execution of the complex story line. There is so much depth to this novel, so many layers beautifully woven together! I enjoyed how some characters in one alternative would appear in a different way in one or both of the other alternatives, almost as if they were destined to intersect with this family even if they played a different role.

When I learned this is Knapp's debut novel, I was stunned. This is a debut novel?!? OMG, how is that possible? The talent and skill displayed within these pages makes this author one I want to follow. I'm already looking forward to her next book!

My thanks to Pamela Dorman Books for permitting me to access a DRC of the novel via NetGalley. Publication is 5/6/2025. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

Hard hitting, emotional and ingeniously plotted it might seem a little confusing at the beginning until you realize how the story unfolds. How could a given name influence the life of a child? Outstanding and I wouldn’t be surprised if it will be nominated for a literary prize.

My first pre-pub read, thank you NetGalley. This clever and thought-provoking debut was a beautiful read. With multiple sliding door stories, it was sometimes hard to follow, but I eventually found my footing during each path. The endings brought satisfying closure and I know these characters will stay with me for a long time.

The Names is for fans of books like The Measure etc that take a concept, apply it to multiple scenarios, and the reader watches it all unfold. In The Names, we follow a family of four in three different scenarios. The one through line in all is the INSERT father. What changes in each scenario is what the mother, Cora, names her son. In one reality, he is Bear, named for his cute and cuddly softness and his strength. In another reality, he is Julian, meaning sky father. In the third, he is named after this terrible man, Gordon. 

All three story lines hooked me and made me think and feel so many things. This was beautifully done.

The synopsis is what reeled me in. I wanted to read this book so bad but I think I had extremely high expectations for this book.

The storyline was brilliant but the execution was not so much. This story is about a name...really.

There are three different scenarios, one baby, one child, one wife, and one husband. Each of these scenarios are different and what if's.

I can say that I am not a fan of the husband....

What's in a name? How can it shape your life? One family--a story told three different ways. Cora, the mom is a constant, as is Gordon, the dad. The children: son is Bear=Julian=Gordon. Maia, the daughter, nicknamed Bees. Spanning thirty-five years and three generations [grandmother, Silbhe, a favorite character], the novel explores family ties in different timelines with different characters save the nuclear family.

A story of domestic abuse, healing, choices, mistakes, fresh starts, accidents, toxicity, struggles, successes--the whole gamut!

I admit I was confused at first [because the story jumps around in 7-year increments--always Bear, Julian, Gordon], but then the storylines gelled.

In the distinct minority here. The writing was fine. However, I was not really engaged and found the persistent thread of domestic abuse -- and the trauma following -- disturbing.

Points for originality, but... just not for me.

Names are powerful, but are they so powerful that they can completely change the course of your life? Your fate? Your relationships?

Cora’s husband, Gordon, is a respected doctor in town and expects his son to be named after himself. It’s a family tradition that has been followed for generations. But as Cora walks to the registrar shortly after the child’s birth, she is motivated to break the generational cycles present in her husband. She wonders if changing her son’s name - and breaking with the family’s naming tradition - will help her son grow up to be a better man than his father is.

From there, the book fractures into three different timelines and possibilities. Through these characters, the reader sees how each life would have played out given a different name. Bear, is strong and brave and kind. Julian is creative and ambitious. Gordon is dark and shaped by tradition.

This book has such a unique premise and I was quickly immersed in each of these characters’ lives. We see each timeline play out and through all the ups and downs, triumphs and tribulations, I really came to care about all of these stories and characters, regardless of what perspective I was in. Knapp played a little with the timeline structure as well because we would jump forward seven years in each section. While it would take a few minutes to find my bearings each time we made a jump, the stories are unique to each character so that really helped me get oriented quickly.

This is an impressive debut that I’m sure will be a #bookstagramdarling when it publishes on May 6th. Since finishing it, I have reflected on the themes of generational trauma, family bonds, and destiny quite a bit. Despite its intense and dark nature (check trigger warnings!), I felt compassion, hope, and love towards these characters.

I see this book going on "Best of 2025" lists and would be surprised if it is not snatched up quickly for a screen adaptation.

Knapp's prose is precise and beautiful. I could not believe this is her debut novel.
She takes an interesting approach to the trope of alternate lives, connecting each to a child's name, or rather, to his mother's decision to follow an expectation placed on her or give in to her instincts and desire for a different life for her kids.

I liked the connectedness of everything and how, in each version, people around the boy had their lives adjusted and changed as well. It is hard to tell which life was ultimately better for everyone involved, as each had its tragedies and triumphs.

Ultimately, each life, no matter the name of the main character, was deeply affected by the cruelty and abuse that Cora and her kids, to an extent, endured. Knapp has an amazing talent for creating a claustrophobic environment and describing truly horrific abuse in a few words that cut deep.

I really enjoyed the subtle connections between the lives - such as Cian/Julian making a ring for Lily, Felix the Vet's role, a nod to Silbhe's daily runs and better health.

This novel felt almost like book magic to me, as I am expecting and contemplating names for the baby boy. One of the names I am considering is one of the three names in the book, so when I picked it up, it felt like a premonition. (No, not Gordon)

Thank you, NetGalley, Viking Penguin, and the author, for sharing an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review. The novel is out on May 6.

The Names is a very cleverly written story and it is very difficult to review without spoiling just how clever it is. I don’t think I’ve read a book written in this way before and it’s definitely thought provoking.

One of the most important things a parent will do is give a name to their child. A name carries meaning, history, and a sense of identity. The author clearly took great care in deciding on names for her characters. The names are used as labels, yes, but also as symbols hinting at family history and personal struggle.

The story is an examination of domestic abuse and its effects on the victims. The author addresses trauma, psychological effects, and potential inherited behaviour. I’m not going to lie, there are some very disturbing scenes, but they are portrayed in a way that is not sensationalized.

This is the third book featuring domestic abuse I’ve read recently and this one is the most uniquely written of them. Overall, it’s a very impactful and important read. What a debut! 4.25 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC.