Unique plot and storyline, I enjoyed this book very much. Here is my book review The Names by Florence Knapp.

What’s In a Name?

Knapp’s debut novel creates a unique and intriguing plot, that explores how the choice of a child’s given name may change the course of his and his family’s life. Spanning 35 years in 7 year increments, The Names will keep your turning the page.

Bear

Mother Cora and her 9 year old daughter take the baby to register his name. Abusive father Gordon expects and assumes Cora will name the child Gordon…there really has been no other name considered. But Cora is hesitant. Nine year old Maia suggests the name Bear. She says it’s warm and cuddly but also brave and strong. That night, when Gordon finds out Cora has named the child Bear…someone will die, leaving the survivors behind to deal with the results of that one decision.

Julian

In another scenario mother Cora registers her choice of name, Julian, instead of Gordon. She reasons that since the name means Father Sky, Gordon will accept her choice. Julian, born to be an artist, can’t possibly know how this decision will affect the future of the family. And not just the immediate family of four but his grandmother in Ireland as well. But mostly it will affect Cora’s future.

Gordon

After years of physical and mental abuse, mother Cora does not go against her husband’s choice of naming their son Gordon. But Cora finds it hard to love this child who carries the name of the man she despises. She is distant and Gordon grows up thinking abuse is normal…despite a nagging feeling something isn’t right.

Choices

Each of these stories is told in parallel timelines, following the results of the choice made. The novel explores themes of abuse, decisions, free-will, alcohol, family, sexual persuasion and love. I enjoyed this well done novel. Thanks for reading my book review The Names by Florence Knapp.

See last week’s book review Heartwood by Amity Gaige.

****Four stars for The Names by Florence Knapp.

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