Book Review: The Names by Florence Knapp

About the Book:

It is 1987, and in the aftermath of a great storm, Cora sets out with her nine-year-old daughter to register the birth of her son. Her husband intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and call the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates. Going against his wishes is a risk that will have consequences, but is it right for her child to inherit his name from generations of domineering men? The choice she makes in this moment will shape the course of their lives.

Seven years later, her son is Bear, a name chosen by his sister, and one that will prove as cataclysmic as the storm from which it emerged. Or he is Julian, the name his mother set her heart on, believing it will enable him to become his own person. Or he is Gordon, named after his father and raised in his cruel image – but is there still a chance to break the mould?

Powerfully moving and full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark. It is the story of one family, and love’s endless capacity to endure, no matter what fate has in store.

Released May 2025

My Thoughts:

Now, this one here, The Names by Florence Knapp. This one nearly broke me. The rawness, the humanity within it. Debuts are getting finer and finer, I can’t even credit this as a first novel. It was so good.

The structure is unique. Think of it as a sliding doors kind of style. From 1987 to 2022, each section of the novel is split into three chapters, each chapter following a different path for the family, and each section is set seven years apart. Different, right?!

Now, this novel is heavy on the domestic violence. I’m not going to lie. It’s brutal at times, horrifying at others. It wasn’t easy. But you know what else it’s heavy on? Beautiful writing, deep human connection, love. It’s a masterpiece.

‘They are already absorbed in a conversation that will continue to slowly unspool across all the years they have left.’

and

‘He is love, and fury, and sorrow, and euphoria, and all the things that will make their story continue together.’

Just a couple of my favourite lines. I needed this. A balm for the soul and life affirming in every way.

Thanks so much to @hachetteaus for the review copy.