The Names: A Read with Jenna Pick: A Novel

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.

The Names is a very unique premise which looks at how a name can change one's life. This book shows a family of characters and how the naming of a child could alter and change all of those characters lives. First off, there is domestic violence in this book. If that is a trigger or something that is uncomfortable for you to read, this will not be the book fore you.This book begins when Cora along with her nine year old daughter, Maia, take her newborn son to register his birth. Her husband, Gordon, is a doctor who is widely respected in their community but a tyrant and abuses Cora in their home. He expected his son to be named after him, but Cora makes a decision that alters all of their lives. She doesn't want her child to have his violent father's name. She wants something different for him.This book looks at violence in the home and the power of names. This book is told in 3 storyline/timelines where the character's lead different lives and have different future. This is such a unique and interesting premise. I loved the originality and how a name could change things for all involved. This is a powerful and thought provoking book. I believe that this book would make a very good book club selection as there is much to ponder and discuss due to the subject matter and storytelling.I believe that this is going to be a polarizing book. It wont be easy for some due to the domestic violence. There are some disturbing scenes. This book also does jump around a bit from name to name. How do our names define us? What power do they have? How does a name affect one's identity? What affect does domestic violence have on the family as a whole?

The Names by Florence KnappImagine 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 difference 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 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!Published on May 6, 2025