Hardback: 336 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction,
Publisher: Phoenix 2025
Source: Tywyn Public Library
First Sentence: Cora's mother always used to say children were whipped up by the wind, that even the quiet ones would come in after playtime made wild by it.
Setting: England and Ireland
Main Characters: Cora Atkin, Gordon Atkin, Maia Atkin, Bear Atkin, Julian Atkin
Review Quote: 'An unadulterated success: moving, evocative and utterly convincing' The Times
Favourite Quote: “She catches snippets of what they’re saying: how dogs don’t need to live as long as humans, they’re simply so good at finding the joy in life. As if we are put on this earth to extract a certain amount of happiness and can leave once the job is done.”
Literary Awards: Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Fiction and for Debut Novel (2025), Book of the Month Book of the Year AwardNominee (2025), She Reads Best of Award for Literary Fiction (2025), Libby Award Nominee for Best Debut (2026)
My Opinion:
I have been wanting to read this debut novel from Florence Knapp for sometime and my expectations were high. Were they met, most definitely.
Cora Atkin is about to register the birth of her son and the novel is about how her choice of names will impact on the future of her and her family. Related to the reader as three separate stories, following the life of her son, depending on which name she chooses. Her daughter wanted him called Bear, Cora's preference was Julian, which she thought suited him, but her controlling husband was insisting on Gordon. Each name meant a vastly different life unfolds. Three names but the story of one family and how love is enduring despite everything.
A really successful debut novel with an ambitious premise that works. It is a compelling and moving read that I highly recommend. A warning though, if you are in any way sensitive to domestic violence scenarios you may find it disturbing.
Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:
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.
With exceptional sensitivity and depth, Knapp draws us into the story of one family, told through a prism of what-ifs, causing us to consider the "one . . . precious life" we are given. The book’s brilliantly imaginative structure, propulsive storytelling, and emotional, gut-wrenching power are certain to make The Names a modern classic.
Author Profile:
Courtesy of Goodreads
In her own words : I live just outside London with my husband, our dog, and sometimes one (or two) of our now-adult children. Some of my favourite things are: words, photo booths, old tiles, rain, long phone calls, clothing with pockets, book covers, dimples (I don’t have any of my own, but I covet the cheeks of those who do), houses lit up at night, the word eiderdown, notebooks, kaleidoscopes, homemade soup, Italy, taking photos, book chat, hummus, barre, house plants, a thick duvet with wool blankets piled on top, hand-stitching, making lists.
I’m less keen on condiment bottles, driving on motorways, and socks where the heel slips down.
Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:
Goodreads Author Profile. Author's Official Website. Instagram Profile