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4.31 AVERAGE
4.31 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Murder
The novel presents a captivating exploration of storytelling and psychological insight, centred around the intriguing premise of how the names we are given at birth can significantly impact our lives. It weaves three parallel narratives, featuring characters like Cora and her son, Bear, and Julien and Gordon. The author delves into the profound connection between names and identity, relationships, and fate.
I found the concept particularly compelling, as it raises questions about how a name can influence a person's life and the lives of those around them. I often reflect on my name, Anne-Marie, and its ordinary, almost overly safe quality, yet I still believe I've found the path meant for me. An enriching detail is the index of names and their meanings included at the end of the book, highlighting the significance behind each character's choice.
Bear's storyline resonated with me the most, filled with warmth and emotional depth. His journey includes a touching love story with Lily, a poignant moment with a crying child on the train, and the challenge of balancing ambition with personal relationships. Julien’s narrative, while tender and steeped in sadness, offers a sense of redemption through his struggles with self-doubt and inherited trauma, ultimately leading to emotional growth. In contrast, Gordon's experience is harrowing, depicting themes of abuse and manipulation that make his storyline more challenging to digest.
Ultimately, the novel poses an essential question: do our names define us, or do we have the power to shape our own stories? It suggests that the answer may blend both, making it a thought-provoking and uniquely original
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow, I did not expect something this good from a debut novel, but was very unique and skillfully done. Truly, this book is a collection of three separate and yet parallel stories, and Knapp does well with helping readers to keep them all straight. It was intriguing to think that a change in a name for a baby would have such strong ripples in the lives of this family, and I enjoyed how we check in with them every seven years to see those similarities and differences.
*Very big trigger warning for domestic violence
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It was a little confusing at first since it skips years in the timeline, but the concept is so interesting and I really cared about the main characters.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Child abuse, Murder