When Cora arrives at the registrar’s office to name her infant son, she is debating between three names: Bear, Julian, and Gordon. Her husband is a well-respected and loved local doctor who is controlling and abusive. He wants his son named after him, Gordon.

When it comes time to choose a name, the story follows three paths that span over 35 years. One path follows the life of Bear, the name Cora’s daughter chooses. The second path follows the life of Julian, the name Cora wants to name her son. The final path follows the life of Gordon.

This book asks if a name can change a life and explores family, abuse, and healing.

Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, murder

Why Jackie loves it
I started this book and could not put it down. The premise is so unique and the book is plotted in such a way that it is very easy to follow each timeline. The way each name changed the outcome of Bear/Julian/Gordon’s life was brilliant. This book is very poignant and powerful. I did mention above but anyone that is triggered by domestic abuse should be aware that it is a prominent aspect of the plot.

This was a super interesting and thought-provoking read. I really enjoyed the different storylines and how they differed and the message of the book.

Wow. I see why this book is deserving of all the hype! Be sure to check the trigger warnings for this one.

The story follows three alternate realities following a family who suffers from domestic abuse by the dad. What if the mom had named her son a different name than the dad wished? What would their trajectory as a family be? I really loved the three different stories featuring Bear, Julian, and George and the character growth of each of them. I liked that it wasn't predictable and yet I felt that the "boy" in question was inheritantly the same. There is a lot to unpack in this book and one I would reread again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Viking books for my ARC!

THE NAMES by Florence Knapp is a very dark book, but it is also a Read with Jenna pick and a LibraryReads selection for May 2025. The story begins in 1987 when Cora is deciding what to name her newborn son. From there the story splits into three scenarios, depending on the choice of naming the baby after his father and grandfather, or instead selecting a name Cora prefers, or choosing a more whimsical name suggested by her nine-year old daughter. Sadly, domestic abuse often features prominently in the vignettes and that makes for difficult reading even though debut author Knapp has created a fascinating book. She relates the story of this family in each circumstance roughly every seven years – book groups will be entranced. Expect to see a great deal of "buzz" on THE NAMES which received starred reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly and Kirkus ("inviting the reader to think about not just the ripple effects of a single decision and the workings of an abusive family but also about a profound and classic concern of fiction: How things we can control in life interact with things we could never have seen coming."). **4.5 stars overall**

What a creative story to get us thinking about how a name shapes us and helps us become who we were meant to be. Would you be the same person, if you had a different name. This story shares three different stories based on what the mother chooses for her son’s name.

THE NAMES by Florence Knapp is a marvel. On the surface, THE NAMES is the story of Cora registering the birth of her child including his name. What could be simple and straightforward if Cora does as she has been told, the story of what this downtrodden and silenced woman elects to do in registering her son's name unfurls over the next 35 years, with three different paths depending on what she decides....it is powerful, gut wrenching, and ultimately heartening to see Cora develop and the alternative choices intersect and shape the lives of a complicated family and a woman deciding who she is and what she believes in. This book is an excellent choice for book clubs seeking deep, thoughtful, complex, and beautifully written stories. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

For a debut, I'm blown away! As someone who has had two children, the process of picking a name can be daunting and this novel was a very interesting concept of how a name can influence a life's trajectory. The writing was beautiful and I liked how we followed the arc of multiple characters through the years. Stunning first novel!

This is my first five star read of the year. A truly beautiful, and beautifully sad, novel, telling the story of three different lives, checking in every seven years.

It was really fascinating to see how minor changes can create ripple effects throughout a life. I particularly enjoyed the way Knapp weaves the different timelines together, and kept the core of the characters the same, while showing how their different life experiences made them approach things differently. I cried several times. My heart ached for Cora, for Maia, and for Bear/Julian/Gordon in equal measure. Even smaller characters like Lily and Silbhe were given so much depth.

The story can be very dark at times (big trigger warning for domestic abuse), but I feel its themes are important to a larger conversation about domestic violence - how hard it can be to leave, the lasting ripple effects of trauma on those abused, the way abusers will manipulate others to prolong the abuse.

Strongly recommend reading this if you loved The Measure by Nikki Erlick (which I did). While significantly different in plot, it's as heartbreaking and beautiful in terms of style and characters. I will buy anything that Florence Knapp writes based off the strength of this book.

At the start of this book, Cora is the mother to a 9 year old daughter and a newborn baby boy - and married to an abusive man (not a spoiler as you learn this right away). Her husband Gordon wants his son named after him as is family tradition - but Cora isn’t so sure. The brilliance of this book is that it proceeds on three separate tracks - one where she registers the name as Bear, one as Julian, and one as Gordon. And then we check in with the characters every seven years in each of the three tracks as we see how not just the son but all the other family members’ lives are different depending on what name Cora chose.

A fascinating concept generally - and one that in this book makes even more sense considering that it is all set in motion in each track by how the abusive Gordon reacts to his son’s name. And, WOW, what a book! I am just blown away that this was a debut, it was so good. Intense and emotional and thought-provoking. Would make a fabulous book club pick - so no wonder Read With Jenna chose it!

4.5 stars

🪻Read with Jenna: May Book Review🪻

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: speculative fiction
Plot: life takes 3 different paths based on the decision of one baby’s name
Emotion: 🥺😖😮

Summary: can a name change your life? Wife of an abusive, controlling doctor, heads to the registry to name her newborn. Does she obey her husband by naming the baby Gordon after him, select the name Julian that she loves, or make an impulsive decision to name him based on her 9-year-old daughters suggestion (Bear). Follow the family on life trajectories based on the 3 names spanning 35 years.

Opinion: this was a very thought provoking novel and I very much enjoyed the concept of how significantly life can be altered by the decision of a name. Not only did the boy’s life change dramatically, but the intimidate family members are also significantly impacted.

Each chapter is one of the three timelines and after each of the three are described, the next round of chapters jumps 7 years into the future until the boy is 35. This kept the story moving but it was a bit difficult to keep track of the storylines when everyone but the boy kept the same name. The beginning plots were more thrilling while the storylines fizzled out as the book went on.

The story touches on some very difficult topics, most notably domestic abuse, so be warned if that is a triggering subject.

Takeaway: I really liked the concept of this book, and would recommend to anyone who can follow a more complex storyline with multiple life trajectories.

Rating and review posted to Goodreads and social media account.

I always think it’s interesting to trace back the little decisions that led us on a certain path. In The Names, we get a Sliding Doors type story based on what Cora decides to name her baby.

Cora’s husband Gordon expects her to name the baby after him. Cora’s daughter Maia thinks he should be named Bear - because he’s soft and cuddly but will also be brave and strong. And Cora wants to name him Julian, which means sky father and would hopefully appease Gordon for honoring him even if it isn’t his name.

Based on that one decision, we then see the different futures the family would have if the baby is given each of the names with chapters alternating between names and jumping ahead seven years each time.

This is a challenging and at times heartbreaking read that I think would make for a great book club discussion. Thank you to the publisher for the free ebook to review.

The names by Florence Knapp is a very highly anticipated read of the spring and compared to the measure. Cora and her daughter Maia are going to register Cora’s son’s name at the courthouse. Cora’s abusive husband wants the son to be his namesake but Cora and Maia have other names in mind. Thus begins the tale that our lives are shaped by what we are named, as the story unfolds in three different timelines as the boys life diverges under three different names (Gordon, bear, and Julian). Told in seven year increments, the story follows these timelines as the family grows and ages and we witness how the name shape the trajectory of the boys life.

Loved the concept! Something about it just isn’t click for me sadly. I am not sure what was missing or why because I really wanted to like this one. The writing is good, the concept is good, but it didn’t personally click for me. However, based on reviews- I am in the minority as many love it and I encourage many to read it as it will click with the masses!

Thanks to the publisher for providing this arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Names
By Florence Knapp

This is an amazing book. It takes place between 1994 and 2022 – in seven year increments. Each seven year interval contains three sections named Bear, Julian and Gordon. These three names represent three possible life paths for a young boy; his physically and emotionally abusive father; his victimized mother; his sister; and various other people affected by the paths as they are taken.

The book deals with domestic abuse. The abuse has the same effect as the ripples caused by tossing a rock into a still pond. It causes damage in many different ways to anyone caught up in the dynamic. I have never read anything on the subject that has made this point so clearly.

While in parts a little confusing as the storyline changes to fit the name and also difficult to read because of the nature of the abuse, this is a book well worth reading.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

What’s in a name?

Florence Knapp explores this timeless question in her striking debut, THE NAMES.

After giving birth to her first child, Cora wrestles with what to name her precious son. Will she choose the name on her heart? Or the family name to satisfy her abusive husband?

Three parallel lives unfold for her son based on the name she selects—some leading to lives of fulfillment and success and others to heartbreak. The sliding doors structure offers vignettes into the distinct life paths and raises thought-provoking questions about the intimacy of a name and the factors that shape us.

It’s a beautifully written book exploring heavy themes you don't want to miss!

Read this if you:
-Love a riveting book club discussion
-Enjoy stories featuring imaginative structures
-Are eager to pick up a buzzy book—it is being published in 20 languages!

RATING: 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 stars)
PUB DATE: May 6

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. What an amazing book!! Cora is to go to the registrar's office to register the birth of her son with her 9 year old daughter. Her husband insists that it is to be Gordon to carry on the tradition of himself, and father. Gordon - her husband, is a well like and esteemed GP doctor - he is VERY controlling and abusive to Cora.
When Cora is walking with your daughter to register her son - she doesn't feel that Gordon is the right name for her son. She really likes the name Julian and when she suggested it to her husband - he utterly refused. She asked her daughter what she should name the baby and she had said Bear. The story then goes on to be told as alternate choices were made. First choice was Bear, the second Julian and the third Gordon. It alternates between the three every 7 years for 35 years.
Does your name determine your life path and choices? And to what amount does our choices determine our path. I will be thinking about this book for a while. DEFIINTELY RECOMMEND!!!

Cora and her daughter Maia go to register the birth of Cora’s new son, which will also give him his official name. Her controlling and abusive husband insists that he be given his own name, Gordon. Maia wants to call him Bear and Cora prefers Julian. In this beautifully written sliding doors concept the novel tells the story of all three boys - Bear, Julian and Gordon and how the decision as to what his name would be led to three very different personalities based on the ramifications of the choice. As Bear, Cora has completely gone against her husband’s wishes, with Julian she tried to explain that he was still named after him but in a different way, hoping to mollify his anger. As Gordon, Cora obediently followed her husband’s orders. The personalities reflect the decision Cora makes for how she chooses to live her life within her marriage.

I loved this novel so much, I had such high expectations and it met them. While the abuse is very hard to read, the stories have such a beautiful interweaving of the different realities for the characters. No one story has just a happy ending, each has its own set of tragedies and victories for the characters. I do love alternate story concepts so I was in this from page 1, but the stories themselves are what really made me fall in love with this book. Each story starts with the name but is also based on Gordon’s reactions and how that changes the lives of the nuclear family and those around them. I can’t believe this is a debut and I will wait anxiously for Knapp’s next book. The audio was wonderful and I listened to much of this, I have been recommending this one to everyone as it’s a rare 5 star for me.

Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books and NetGalley for the ARC to review

Well written, thought provoking but so difficult for me to read due to the graphic scenes of domestic abuse. Can a name determine your fate? I personally believe there is some truth to this notion. But the story was ultra depressing for me and in the end, it was not my cup of tea. I am always happy when a debut author finds success and I realize I am the outlier here. Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking Penguin/Pamela Dorman Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Names asks the question "What's in a name?" Does your name impact who you are and who you can become?

Cora's husband is an abuser. Upon the birth of a son, Cora goes to fill out the birth certificate, expected to name the boy after her husband. From here, the book tells three different stories - one where the boy is named after his father and the other two where the boy is named something different. Each of the stories demonstrate how one decision can change the course of a life, for better and for worse.

This was a very unique book, not a format that I had read before. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Each of the stories was beautifully written and kept me engrossed in the storylines. I loved that many of the characters were present throughout the different stories, but each one introduced new characters too. Spanning 35 years, the book shows how physical and psychological abuse causes lifelong effects.

The passages about domestic violence are VERY intense and difficult to read. Some reviewers have commented that the scenes were too graphic, but while horrific, I do think they added to the intensity of the novel. There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the novel.

My one complaint about the book is that there were times when it was difficult to keep all three stories straight. In each of the stories, the characters meet different fates. Trying to keep it all straight was sometimes a bit confusing.

This would be a great book club selection. There is so much to discuss and consider.

4.5 ⭐s from me!

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking Penguin/Pamela Dorman Books for an advanced copy.

A stunning debut. A look at three parallel lives. Each heartbreaking and beautiful in their own ways. I devoured this book and hung onto every word. It’s emotional, heavy and deals with some extremely tough situations. But it’s also a deep look into what makes us who we are. Is it our names, our circumstances or the way we are raised? I absolutely loved this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Imagine living your life with a different name. Would it change you? Would your life path be different or the same?
This debut novel by Florence Knapp has such an interesting premise. I loved the format, depicting the main male character with three different names and the follow-through on his life every 7 years. This is definitely a page turner, curious about the differences as well as the commonality of the life of this boy.
Florence Knapp has written a novel whereas the mother of the newborn baby boy must register the name of her infant with the authorities’. Should she go with tradition- the husbands first name? Should she go with her choice? Should she go with the nine-year-old daughters’ choice? The events in this novel will lead you down all three paths.
This is a thought proving novel that will make you smile and make you mad. Cora is struggling with postpartum depression after the birth of her son. Her husband is a well-known, well-loved doctor. But what goes on behind the doors of their house is unknown to outsiders.
Each character’s name has a special meaning- Bear (her daughter’s pick) is strong, warm and brave, Julian (Cora’s pick)- his name means father, he is inspired by the sky, and Gordon (the husband’s pick) is traditional and takes after the father. Naming your child can have a big influence on them and their life.
There is a trigger warning for domestic abuse, but it is only in the initial parts of the book. While horrifying, you can see how it affects each of the characters and the lives they lead.
I can’t wait to see what Florence Knapp writes next. What an exceptional debut novel! I would love to read it again, but this time character by character from beginning to end.
Many thanks to NetGalley for bringing this book to my attention and for allowing me to read the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Published on May 6, 2025.