Have you ever considered the times a person’s name might have influenced the course of their life? Is the need to please previous generations greater than the need to love future ones? This is just a taste of some of the soul searching questions Florence Knapp considers in this incredible piece of writing. Do you unwittingly send a message that one’s life is destined to follow the same path, when the real hope is for children to tread their own.

Spanning thirty-five years, the author provides three alternate versions of a mother and her young son's lives, simply shaped by her choice of name. The prose is rich as it explores the ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities of healing. This is so clever as it contains a unique structure with each POV having its merits. Heartfelt and heartbreaking in an emotionally profound way, exploring abuse and the effect it has far and wide for years to come.

The Names by Florence Knapp is an unforgettable read! Both devastating and heart warming. This book will stick with me.

What a powerful read!

The Names by Florence Knapp is a clever spin on the “Sliding Doors” concept — exploring how life could’ve turned out completely differently for a boy and his family if his mum had written a different name on his birth certificate. It sounds like such a small thing, but wow… the ripple effects were intense.

The story plays out across three parallel lives, jumping forward in seven-year leaps. I really liked the structure — it kept the pace up, and I found myself eager to see how each version of life was unfolding.

There were moments where I had to pause and remind myself what had happened in each version of the story, but it didn’t take away from the experience at all. — if anything, it made the differences between the lives feel even more striking.

What really stood out for me was the character development. It was so interesting to see how the same people could become completely different versions of themselves, shaped by their circumstances.

Emotional, thought-provoking, and really creative — this one definitely stays with you.

Big thanks to NetGalley, Hachette Australia & New Zealand, and the author for the ARC!

4★
“Cora watches as the letters form, each one emerging like some magical and extraordinary thing from the nib of the registrar’s pen as it moves across the page.”

England 1987. Cora has pushed the pram with her infant son to the registry to register his birth. With her is 9-year-old Maia, who is happily skipping along discussing names. Husband/father Gordon is a much-loved local doctor in whom everyone confides, and he wants his son to carry his and his father’s name.

“Cora has never liked the name Gordon. The way it starts with a splintering sound that makes her think of cracked boiled sweets, and then ends with a thud like someone slamming down a sports bag. GORdon. But what disturbs her more is that she must now pour the goodness of her son into its mould, hoping he’ll be strong enough to find his own shape within it.”

The ’Gordon’ mould is not one that Cora or Maia would wish for their new baby. At home, the kindly local doctor is a frighteningly temperamental bully who snaps without warning, scaring Maia, whom he scolds and lectures, and physically abusing Cora when Maia is at school or has gone to bed.

On the way to the registry, Cora asks Maia what name she likes, and Maia surprises her mum with ‘Bear’.

“ ‘Bear?’ Cora asks, smiling.

‘Yes. It sounds all soft and cuddly and kind,’ Maia says, opening and closing her fingers as though she’s scrunching sweetness in her hands. ‘But also, brave and strong.’ Cora looks at the baby and imagines him being all those things. She wants that for him.”

If it were up to Cora, she’d choose ‘Julian’ – sky father – “it implies transcending a long line of troubled earth fathers”, something she’d like for her son.

She can’t escape the registration because Gordon’s parents are coming for dinner and he wants to show off the birth certificate to them, especially to his domineering father, a famous surgeon who sneers at Gordon’s General Practice credentials.

The book cover I have shows a man on a path - or possibly positioned in the middle of an hourglass – casting three shadows, one for each name, or ‘mould’, as Cora called it.

This is the prologue, the set-up, so to speak. Next, there is a handsome drawing of a bear face with 1987 underneath. Those letters (in the opening quotation) that Cora was watching magically form in the registrar’s office obviously spelled out BEAR.

“A great surge of – what is this thing? – joy, yes, that’s it, joy – courses through Cora’s being. A whole-body dizzying happiness.”

Joy… until Cora realises that she had better farm Maia out with a friend for the night, anticipating her husband’s likely violent reaction.

Then the reader is presented with a drawing of needle-nose pliers, a small screwdriver, and a chain with a hand-crafted pendant, and we move into an alternate 1987 scenario.

“Afterwards, Cora is unsure what made her say it, only that she did and it felt right. Now, as this baby lies in his pram – Julian, ‘sky father’, ethereal, transcendent – Cora has a feeling of being more rooted than she has for years. As though, feet planted, she holds the two kite strings of her children’s lives safe in her palm.”

Before they tell her father, Maia suggests making his favourite lasagne. At nine, she already knows to dance carefully around his temper. Cora had discussed wanting to name the baby Julian, so she hopes for the best.

After that is the third drawing, a bottle labelled GIN London 1821 with a tumbler on its side, spilling what is unquestionably Gordon’s Gin.

“Coming back from the registrar’s office, it’s as though a cloud has descended. Cora looks down at the baby and feels she has broken something. Less than an hour ago, walking in the opposite direction, his small form seemed filled with hope and possibility. But now, that’s tainted. Where earlier she’d seen only the peach blush of his cheeks and the delicacy of blue-veined lids, now she sees a chin dribbled red and lips pinched in popeish judgement.”
[with apologies to the new Pope Leo XIV, who seems more like a Julian]

Although the book is not divided into Parts One, Two, and so-on, the author moves the timespan seven years to 1994, beginning each of the three sections (they are longer than chapters) with the same three drawings.

The seven-year intervals continue to 2022, and the family dynamics go through various developments with three very different stories, but the echoes of the parents’ pasts resonate throughout.

Incidentally, the father stops being referred to by name as time moves on, so we know which Gordon a story is referring to.

The problems Gordon (father) and Cora faced as children and young adults continue to affect them as a couple and as parents. Each story shows the different paths both Maia and her little brother set out on, but they can’t shake the influence of their parents (and grandparents), especially Maia, who was 16 in 1994 when the second timespan begins. The past is the same past.

The seven-year intervals remind me of the wonderful BBC documentary series which began with ‘Seven-Up’ and follows 14 kids from seven years old in 1964 until ’63 Up’ in 2019. It’s absolutely wonderful, and I think you can find it on Netflix and some of it on YouTube.

John Boyne made use of the seven-year spans in The Heart's Invisible Furies, as we watched young orphan Cyril grow up.

I found it confusing at first, not knowing quite where I was or what was happening. I don’t know if the physical book has different page breaks for these sections or not, but I’m certainly glad the illustrations came through in the digital version. Perhaps I’m just a bit slow on the uptake.

Each story arc is a small book in itself, but because there are many of the same characters in each (same grandparents, some friends), I think I fell into the trap of carrying the closeness of a relationship from one story arc to another, which isn’t the case, of course. It isn’t just the boy who is in the alternate universe – they all are.

Overall, I enjoyed how Knapp handled the different characters, even when they were the same person, and I thank #NetGalley and Hachette for a copy of #TheNames for review.

The Names by Florence Knapp really blew me away. The premise was so original, the themes so topical, the characters so well drawn, the whole story so moving. But trigger warning - in the same way that Nesting provided an unsettling view of coercive control, The Names is an unflinching look at more violent domestic abuse.

Cora is taking her days old son to register his birth. With her is her nine year old daughter Maia. Her domineering husband Gordon has instructed her to call the boy Gordon as this is the tradition in his family. When Cora arrives she hesitates - what does she name him? The book then splits into three timelines - one where the boy is Bear, Maia's chosen name, another where he is Julian which Cora likes because it means 'sky father' and finally the timeline where he is indeed named Gordon.

The family's story is told over thirty five years in seven year intervals. Each of the boy's possible identities is given a chapter to show how his life and that of Cora and Maia unfolds. This was like a sliding doors type story. What is the impact of a name on an identity? I loved this approach to the structure.

Saying you loved a book where domestic abuse features seems so strange but this was an incredibly written book. The way Knapp depicts each version of the family gives much food for thought. What are the flow on effects for those who experience or witness abuse? How will they form future relationships? Can you go on to heal? Each version of the family experiences their lives in such different ways. There is sadness, joy and grief in equal measure.

I was really surprised by just how much I loved reading The Names. It is on my favourites stack for the year. This is a very small stack so far so please know this is a book I'd highly recommend if you are comfortable with the core theme.

Well... this is a book like no other I have read. We start off with one thread, Cora setting off to register the name of her son. He husband insists she name him Gordon, a family name, handed down to each first born boy for generations. But Cora isn't keen, nor is her nine year old Maia who is with her, a storm preventing her from attending school.
We then splinter off into three totally discreet storylines going forward. Each spanning 35 years and each following the family post the choice of name and we find out what happened after Cora named her son Gordon, Bear, and Julian. Each story has the same core of characters, family and close friends, but there are also crossover supplementary characters, as well as discreet ones. Each story is also very different but also quite similar in ways. Honestly, that does make sense.
I did struggle a bit with this book initially. Mainly cos it is actually three completely different stories being told in alternating chapters, starring much the same characters. Which meant that I did have to get my head round the concept. And make a few notes! But once I got it all straight, it started to flow very well.
The thing I did get a bit confused about is whether it is supposed to be about what a person is called that shapes their future, or, as I read it, the act of defiance and how that defiance is handled being more what shaped what happened as this "small" act has rather brutal consequences in all the stories. All which have very different knock on effects.
Whichever it is supposed to be, it kinda worked. Although it also does make it hard to review.
So I won't say much more apart from once I got it all straight in my head, I raced through the book, eager to see what the eventual outcome of all the stories would be. And I have to say that I was wholly satisfied by each and every one.
And then I found out it is a DEBUT book... wowsers is all I can say to that. The only thing I do fear for this author is how in the heck she is going to top this next time.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Cora and her husband Gordon have just had their second child, a beautiful baby boy. When Cora goes to register her son's name, her controlling and abusive husband expects the child to be named after him. However, in an unusual act of defiance Cora gives him another name and from that moment, life is forever changed.

This is a remarkable story told over 35 years, which follows three alternative versions of Cora and her family's lives, shaped by Cora's choice of name for her son. It's a painful story to read, exploring the terrible impact of family violence on all members and the journey to healing. A unique and well written story that is difficult to read the parts but well worth it. A great debut novel which is definitely worthy of a read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Australia and New Zealand for an opportunity to read this book.

The Names reminded me of Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life and David Nichols One Day - but told in seven year intervals. The varying effects of life’s possible choices and decisions project the course of this family’s lives away in three differing directions from a common starting point.

Knapp has a wonderful ear for dialogue and an ability to get to the emotional heart of interpersonal connections with much compassion and tenderness for her characters. She controls what could have been a confusing format skillfully and with a lightness of touch.

I look forward to reading Knapp's next book. My thanks to Hachette and Netgalley for an advance review copy.

When Cora goes to register her newborn's birth, she makes a split-second decision that will change the course of her life, her family, and everyone around her. Will she follow her husband's plan and name the baby Gordon, go with her daughter's whim to call her baby brother Bear, or choose her long held favourite name, Julian? Well, we get to see what happens in all three cases.
I love a book with a solid structure. Three different timelines, revisiting Bear/Julian/Gordon and his family every seven years. The three lives turn out very differently, although it's not really because of the name, but because of his father's reaction to the name. I really enjoyed reading this novel. I bonded with all the characters, and all the versions of the characters. I think it would have been a five star read but I felt like the ending didn't live up to the expectations I built from loving the first half so much.
TW: This book has very strong and graphic domestic abuse themes.

Florence Knapps debut novel 'The Names' is such an original , heart wrenching novel ! A 'sliding door ' type story in which a mother names her second child one of three names . Bear- the choice of her daughter , Julian - her choice or Gordon - the family name . The story unfolds at 7 year intervals with each possibility unfolding . Such an incredible novel! Highly recommended. Thankyou to Netgalley and Hachette Australia and New Zealand for a couple to read and review .

The Names by Florence Knapp is a poignant and quite inventive debut novel that explores the profound impact of a single decision on the trajectory of a life. Set in 1987, the story begins with Cora, a mother trapped in an abusive marriage, who must choose a name for her newborn son. Her choice—whether to name him after his domineering father, Gordon; after his gentle sister's suggestion, Bear; or the name she personally favors, Julian—sets the stage for three distinct narratives, each unfolding over 35 years.​

The novel is of course exploring themes of identity, fate, and the enduring effects of domestic abuse. Each version of the boy's life—Bear, Julian, or Gordon Jr.—offers a perspective on the family dynamics, personal growth, and the search for autonomy. Through these parallel storylines, Knapp looks at how a name can influence a persons path, relationships, and sense of self.​

I was worried about the abusive marriage storyline - toxic relationships are something I try to avoid in novels - but it was thoughtfully and lightly done. The premise lingered in my mind perhaps more than the actual telling of it, even though I really did think it was well done. I can see this being such a popular summer read, and it has elements that everyone will enjoy - suspense, love, family story and a unique structure.

This is litfic that’s easy to digest! It examines the intersections of personal choice, identity, and the ripple effects of our decisions. I do love the idea that a single act can alter the course of a life! It makes you think!

Three names, three possible fates,

His name is Bear, or it’s Julian, or it’s Gordon and depending on which a life is already set in motion. A life centred around one family and love that endures against all odds. The idea that a name might tell others who we are, but it’s the people around us who help mould who we become.

Fast paced, compelling, heart warming one moment and devastatingly heart breaking in the next, The Names is so genius it’s the kind of book you wish you could erase from your brain to experience again for the first time. A deeply emotional story of the traumatic and life long effects of domestic abuse, the ripples it sends through lives and the strength and love of one family to survive in the face of it all.

Incredibly unique and fascinating, this story is unlike anything I have ever read before and something I could never forget.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette for the opportunity to read this advanced copy and congratulations to Florence on such an incredible debut novel which I’m sure is about to become a bestseller and bookclub favourite.

What a sensational and completely unforgettable debut!
Cora sets out with her baby, to register his name, young daughter in tow. She has her instructions. His name will be Gordan, as his father is and his father before him. But when faced with the decision, will Cora go against his wishes and break the cycle of these domineering and dangerous men or will she comply? Her choice will shape her future and that of everyone around her.

Seven years later we see the consequences of her life changing decision and how it has affected Cora and her family. The possible futures of Bear, named by his sister, Julian, named by his mother but still breaking tradition and Gordon.

This novel was so touching and really broke me in places. It demonstrated a mothers love for her children and the lengths she will go to in order to protect them, along with the importance of family and community. I must admit that I absolutely love this sliding doors type approach in novels and this format worked so well here. While this was heartbreaking, it was also powerful and brilliant and I found it hard to believe it was a debut. Highly recommend.

The night after a wild storm that brings down trees in their local neighbourhood, Cora must fulfil an important duty: registering the name of her newborn son. Should she pick Bear, as her daughter Maia wants. Should she pick Julian, her own preference. Or, should she call him Gordon, the family name of her husband. The choice is fraught because Gordon is violently abusive.

The Names is the story of each of these versions of Cora's son, told in seven-year intervals. It asks - what's in a name? How do our names shape our stories? It is an interesting idea that is told well. However, at its centre is the ongoing impact on families of domestic violence, and for that reason I did not like reading this book. I do not enjoy reading about violent men hurting women and children, nor charting the lifelong impacts of that harm. At a time where violence against women is an increasing problem all around the world, what does it mean that we package up and consume stories of domestic abuse as entertainment? Maybe it's time we stopped.