4.5 ⭐️ Heartbreaking, intimate, and unforgettable!

This book. This book. It reached right into my heart and held on. I finished The Names with a tightness in my chest and tears in my eyes, completely undone by the quiet strength of its characters and the weight of everything left unspoken. Florence Knapp has crafted something incredibly special here, an emotional, layered exploration of identity, choice, and the fragile threads that shape a life.

Told through three alternate realities that branch from a single, quietly pivotal moment, the story unfolds with such tenderness and aching clarity. Cora’s journey is one of quiet resilience, filled with moments that feel so honest and raw they almost hurt to read. There are parts that are difficult, shadowed by pain that lingers quietly, but everything is handled with such sensitivity and care. I felt deeply connected to Cora and her son in every version of their lives, and I ached for them in different ways.

The writing is stunning, elegant, and emotionally sharp. Each chapter felt like stepping into a different version of truth, and I was completely swept up in the what-ifs and the ripple effects of a single name. I found myself pausing to reread lines, to sit with them, to let them settle. This is not just a story, it is a reflection on the life we live, the ones we imagine, and the courage it takes to choose ourselves, even in the smallest of ways.

The cover is just as striking, subtle but full of meaning once you have lived the story, and this one will stay with me for a long, long time.

The only reason this is not a full five stars for me is that a few transitions between timelines felt slightly uneven, pulling me out of the moment just enough to notice. Still, it is a remarkable, moving novel that I will not forget.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this digital ARC. I recommend The Names with my whole heart.

This is one of my favourite books of 2025 so far. The concept is interesting. It asks: what is the impact of a single decision? Can one moment redirect the course of your entire life?

In this story, we follow Cora, a woman in an abusive relationship, who must make a choice. What name will she give her new son? Will she pick the name her husband has imposed, Gordon Jr. Will she pick Julian, a name of her own choosing but that means ‘sky father’—a meaning that she hopes will be enough to appease her husband, or will she choose the name that her young daughter is proposing, Bear, because it reflects being soft and cuddly yet brave and strong.

Three stories unfold, each based on the outcome of the three options. We watch as each character ages, hits different key life events (and decisional moments), and see the ripple effect on their own respective decisions.

It’s an impressive debut novel that speaks to family legacy and generational trauma. It also reads easily (although be warned that it delves into hard topics such as domestic abuse).

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy.

"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 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."

Ok, I absolutely LOVED the concept of this book and I read it in around a day. The writing is beautiful.

However, while it is thought-provoking, I also found it deeply disturbing because of the domestic abuse storyline (which threads through each of the three "names" scenarios), and because of that, it was a difficult read for me (and I imagine would be for anyone who has any experience of this). It is definitely a book that will have you thinking for a long time afterwards.

Imagine that you have a different name - what would it be and how could that have changed your life?

Three different names for the baby boy equals three different outcomes for the whole family.

I love the idea of how a different first name can change the path of one's life. I hate reading about domestic abuse. Florence Knapp expertly ties the two together to make a fascinating story that I read in one go!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This is an interesting book. It really captivates you and keeps you hooked. The writing style is enjoyable, the characters are riveting. I’m shocked that this is a debut novel it’s interesting how one decision can lead to 3 very different outcomes. Would definitely recommend reading.

The Names is a masterfully crafted, emotionally resonant novel that explores how a single choice can shape an entire life—and the lives connected to it. The structure, shifting between three alternate timelines, is brilliantly executed and never confusing, offering a profound meditation on identity, trauma, and resilience. Cora is a powerful and unforgettable protagonist, and the portrayal of domestic abuse is both honest and sensitively handled. This is a deeply moving, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page—a testament to the strength it takes to break cycles and choose a different path

What’s in a name? Would your life have played out exactly the same if your parents had chosen a different name for you? In her debut novel, Florence Knapp explores this question by following three separate timelines in which Cora, the abused wife of a well-respected doctor, chooses either to defy, to manipulate, or to obey her husband’s orders in the naming of their newborn son.

Let me start by saying that the cover art is absolutely genius. Three very different flowers growing from the same stem perfectly encapsulates the structure and heavy symbolism of this novel. It’s also very striking in its simplicity, which can also be said of Knapp’s writing style. Well done to whoever designed it.

I’ll be honest with you, this is a hard book to review. When I got to the end, I just sat for a while staring into space and trying to figure out how I felt about it. First of all, the domestic abuse that Cora suffers is horrific and uncomfortable to read. No, not just uncomfortable... downright maddening. Please check trigger warnings if depictions of abuse are likely to disturb you. I’m sure some of the scenes in this book will haunt me for a while. Secondly, I had trouble figuring out what message the author was trying to convey. I’m still not sure I have a good handle on it, but it’s certainly left me thinking.

Cora’s decision in the opening chapter comes down to three names for her baby: Gordon, after his abusive father and grandfather, which she fears will doom him to turn out just like them; Julian, the name Cora favours, which she hopes to convince her husband is in tribute to him, since it means “sky father”; or Bear, the name her 9-year-old daughter Maia wants to call him, since he’s cuddly like a teddy bear but strong like a real bear. Whichever name she chooses seals her and her children’s fate. From that point, we check in on each timeline in turn every 7 years. I found it interesting that Knapp chose 7-year intervals, since the number 7 holds great symbolism in many cultures, and 7 years is considered to be the time it takes for the body’s cells to renew themselves. Very fitting.

I thought at first that I would have trouble following each timeline in this format, but they were different enough that I rarely felt lost, even when I had to set the book down and pick it up again mid-chapter. Knapp does an excellent job of thinking through the details and making each storyline believable. For instance, a boy named “Bear” would hear a lot of animal references throughout his life and would think of himself as connected to the animal kingdom, while a boy named after his father and grandfather would think of himself as an extension of their legacy, for better or worse. Knapp clearly put a lot of thought into how details like those could shape a person’s psyche and alter the course of their life.

But my confusion about the message of The Names grew with every time jump. “What exactly is Knapp trying to say with this story? Is she trying to say anything at all? Maybe it’s just an interesting writing exercise and I should stop overthinking it?” But then I got to the Epilogue, and I’ll try not to dive too deep into spoilery waters here, but it did answer my questions to some degree. I believe there is a message in The Names, but it isn’t about names at all.

Cora’s decision of what to name her son was a turning point in her life, but it wasn’t the only one. It wasn’t even the biggest one. Every life is full of crossroads moments, when each possible decision would lead us in a different direction. It’s impossible to foresee the consequences of every action, and quite frankly, stuff’s gonna happen no matter what you do. Not one of the three timelines is The Perfect Life. Would a fourth be perfect? No, of course not. Nobody’s life is perfect, even if you always make the right decision. But isn’t it infinitely more satisfying to see Cora take control of her life than to watch her submit to her husband’s tyranny? Yes!! And when it comes right down to it, I think that’s what Knapp is trying to say.

Basically, The Names is a story of life’s infinite possibilities. Knapp’s writing is exquisite, her attention to detail is impeccable, and the story is thought-provoking, heartbreaking, and powerful. I highly recommend it.

The Names by Florence Knapp is a powerful, heart-wrenching novel that I couldn’t put down. I fell in love with every character, even as their stories broke my heart.

It begins with a seemingly simple act: a woman goes to register the name of her newborn son. But that moment becomes a crossroads — does she follow tradition and societal expectations, or does she choose a different path entirely?

This is a story about the strength it takes to change course, to push back against the weight of expectation — in our families, our communities, and even our names. Yes, the book explores etymology, but what truly matters is what those names mean to the people involved: the mother, the father, and the society watching. More than that, it’s about the power of naming itself — the ability to name things for what they truly are, to see clearly, and through that, to defy fate and heal from a legacy of harm.

It’s a deeply moving, beautifully written novel that speaks to survival, choice, and transformation. I’ll read anything Florence Knapp writes next.

Trigger warning: includes scenes and themes of domestic violence.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC.

solid 5 stars
What's in a name? The Names investigates family relationships, domestic abuse and other personal issues. One family, and 3 people effected by the behaviour of the fourth. It is a difficult, haunting book to read, especially if you have some experience in the issues covered. There were definitely times I had to put the book down to catch my breath.
Cora the mother, Maia the sister, and the brother (Bear/Julian/Gordon) whose life introduces the story. The reader is catapulted into the lives of these three tender individuals and the what-ifs that could be.
You despair for them, you cheer them on, and you are saddened that you could not help them. This is a masterpiece in resilience, in the goodness in your chosen people, and in the family you can create. In spite of everything.
This is a book that will stay with me because it is so powerful in emotion and makes you reflect on your own choices and those who continue to live in those circumstances.
Be prepared to be brave because to swallow these words will change you.
'If it doesn’t stop, Cora thinks, this pattern will repeat endlessly, the destiny of each generation set on the same course.'
Thank you to #NetGalley and #PenguinRandomHouseCanada for the opportunity to read an early copy. #FlorenceKnapp, you have a new fan.

The Names is a beautiful story that cleverly interweaves the themes of identity, love, heartbreak and domestic abuse. Each chapter looks at a possible life for Cora and her family, depending on which name she registers her baby boy as. Does a name determine a future for a child? Does it encourage them to become certain things, or inhibit them from becoming others? Each chapter delves further into a possible future and left me grasping to know more. While more questions arose at each chapter, so too did the exploration of self identity.
This book was one I struggled to put down before reaching the end, and would highly recommend to others.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the premise of this book. I truly feel that names have an impact on a person. When a family name is carried on, it carries a certain weight with it. Thus, I was very interested in reading this book.
I found it really interesting how the three versions were told. However, I found the story jumped around a lot. The abuse sections were hard to read so I’m glad there weren’t more. I’m interested in reading more by this author! Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to have access to this ARC.

Received as ARC from NetGalley - with thanks to the author and publisher.
A great story of one family, divulging into three potential story lines for all, based on the name of a child. A wonderfully creative and engaging premise.
Context addresses gender based violence and domestic violence.

This book had me hooked from the first few pages. Florence Knapp’s debut has such a rich and layered meaning, examining how the past clings to us, how fate winds through bloodlines and choices.

Each of the three interwoven narratives of Bear, Julian and Gordon pulled at a different emotional thread. They felt like real people—flawed, searching, unforgettable. I found myself rereading sentences just to sit with the feeling a little longer.

Very impressive debut by Knapp.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for the advance ARC copy!

Trigger warning: there is domestic violence that runs throughout all three stories. It isn't graphic, but it is an integral part of each story line.

This is a thoughtful and somewhat intense look at how choices can impact a life. That question we all have when we make a decision that is perhaps not the best one. What if I had done x instead. This explores that idea. Would life be different for Cora and her baby? For her husband? For her other child Maia? There is a thread of hope in each of the stories, but also that sense of underlying tragedy. As the stories unfold in a different manner, the hope is different. The tragedy is different.

What was most interesting for me is how similar Maia is in each iteration of how her life could be. How her choices almost intersect each other. How she made similar and almost consistant choices in each possible version of herself. As if she was a constant that would make the same choice (or similar choice) no matter the crossroads. Not sure if that was intentional or not.

The lives of most others are very different, from how the domestic violence plays out for Cora, to how Bear/Julian/Gordon make decisions in their lives as they grow. Those are the choices that then affect others around them and change timelines for family and friends as a result.

Very thought-provoking story.

An excellent book! The format was very interesting. 3 options for the same characters. Very thought provoking. Well done

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It starts with the story of Cora, a woman who is being abused by her well-respected husband and tries to hide it from herself and her children. Instead of one plot though, three different paths are written up, as a function of the protagonist naming her son Bear (whom he reminds her of and her daughter chose), Julian (which she chose), and finally Gordon (her husband's choice, to name their son after him). She know that if she chose either of the first two, there would be consequences, but she also acknowledged that even if she chose Gordon to name their son, her life would still remain the same. From then on, three stories emerge of Cora, her daughter and her son. Each story has her son with a different name. All stories are somewhat tragic, the first being the most painful with Cora being killed by her husband. All stories are filled with sadness, obfuscating the truth about the family's past, and not being honest with themselves or their partners. So much to learn about and the consequences of spousal abuse and the last negative impact that it has on all parties involved. I myself was a daughter who observed physical abuse by my father toward my mother. Even as a I approach 80m I still remember horrifying occasions and recall my mother's crying, despite her attempts to be quiet. Lasting harm, lasting effects. My only criticism of the book was that more should have been given on ways that women can be aided in such situations one, and the signs and indications that a woman is in this horrible predicament, two, so that others can be better informed. Women need to take the first step to get help, yes, but we as members of society must be cognizant enough to be able to identify a negative situation and help is some small way.

I’ve read a few books that incorporate partner abuse in the past year. It is not my favourite subject matter; I find it hard to stomach but it seems to be a popular topic at the moment.

I found the premise interesting but once the writer started switching between character points of view I found it a little difficult to keep up with. However, I love the idea that a child’s name could change everything for them and those around them and for generations to come. It reminded me of the Broadway play/musical “If/Then” (if you don’t know it look it up) which I really enjoyed.

Overall, I had a bit of trouble with the writer’s manner of presenting the story but I found the plot compelling. The writing itself had a great flow and the characters were engaging.

Cora is a mother to a 9 year old Maia and a new little boy. She needs to register her little boy’s name and has been given strict instructions by her controlling husband that their baby son is to bear his name, Gordon. Cora, a domestic abuse victim just struggling to survive the situation at home, contemplates naming their son something completely different – either Julian or Bear. She does not want her son to have the name of her husband, who in the public eye is a well-liked physician in the community, but tortures and beats her behind closed doors. She wants to stop the vicious cycle. But she knows there will be consequences.

What follows is three different stories based on what Cora chooses to name her son. Gordon/Bear/Julian. The stories travel through time, from the day the naming happens, through the childhoods of her daughter and son, into their adulthood almost up to the present. We see Cora’s story, and that of her mother’s, a mother who had no clue about the situation or the abuse. We see a bit of Gordon, the father’s story, none of which justify the horrific abuse that he inflicts. But offers some perspective. There is a lot of hopelessness, with tiny bits of hope along the way, but the novel is overwhelmingly heartbreaking.

The story is uniquely told, reflecting on life and what could happen based on choices. In the end it seems that things may just be different, depending on which point of view, not necessarily better or worse. I found the descriptions of domestic abuse quite horrendous; I had to put the book down sometimes. And got lost a little in the middle, when I had to backtrack to follow where I left off with which named story. The writing flows well, descriptive, emotional, a great debut novel, but the subject matter may be difficult for some.

Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the advanced copy for an honest review.

What a debut novel! Loved it. 4.5

A clever plot line about 1 boy, with 3 possible names and 3 possible life outcomes.

Beautifully written and painfully brutal. A story of a physically and mentally abusive patriarch with eventually resilient and hopeful lives for his family. It’s not a happy ever after, Pollyanna ending but there is healing. How they navigated their trauma seemed real.

Very hard to put down, good thing it was a long weekend! I would definitely recommend.

Thank you so much to Florence Knapp, NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC.

The Names by Florence Knapp explores destiny as it pertains to names in this speculative fiction tearjerker.

Cora an abused woman sets off one stormy morning with her daughter Maia to register her son's birth. Her abusive husband Gordon expects his son to be named after him. Cora imagines what her son's life will entail being named after his horrible father, so she decides to do something unexpected.

The story then follows Cora and Maia and her son, with alternating versions of her son's life based on the different names she wanted to give him. The novel takes on a speculative nature when it becomes evident that a person's name has great effects on their destiny, with the meaning of their name determining the course of their life.

Emotional and thought provoking, The Names is a visionary fiction epic about fate, free will, and trauma.

I believe that we call books into our lives when we need to receive an important message. The Names came into my life when I was contemplating a name change. It made me think about the meaning of my own name and those of others and how their lives do in fact align with the symbolism of their names. It made me realize that we should be careful about the names we choose for ourselves as they can have far reaching implications. Perhaps they can rewrite our destiny? Or maybe we are subconsciously acting out their symbolism? The Names was an ingenious story that explored these questions, with heavy consequences for each of the characters. At times it was difficult to keep reading the story when things got dark and depressing for the characters, but the guilt and shame they felt were honest reactions to what they were experiencing and I appreciated their vulnerability. By the end of the story I concluded that no matter what your name or destiny is, each person has the freewill to choose who they want to be. A name may be a repository for all sorts of meanings, but you have the right and choice to make a meaningful life for you and only you.

I recommend The Names by Florence Knapp for anyone who feels burdened by their name, who dislikes their name, or wants to reclaim their identity.