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challenging
emotional
slow-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
This book came highly recommended by many and did not let me down. The style of writing and the storyline were really good, and I wasn't drawn out of the story at all. Many parts were hard to read, but it all felt believable and gave insight into the lives of others. Would definitely recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
i really enjoyed this book! clara and her children are now so dear to me. it's so interesting to imagine how your life can be affected by your name, and this book explores how your life changes based that. we follow clara and her children through three storylines, each based on a different name for her son. this book contained so much sadness and joy. it was beautifully written and was so thought-provoking. would be great for a book club discussion!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
This DNF has nothing to do with the writing, which is incredible. I wish I could finish it, but my own personal triggers are the reason. I hope I will be able to return to it in the future because I truly enjoyed other parts of the story and main plot line itself. Check your trigger warnings but if you are able, please do read this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Pandemic/Epidemic
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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, Murder
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I just knew i would love this book - didnt disappoint. So much so, I read it in a day. Love Knapp’s writing style, although i did get a tad confused between some of the storylines. But all worked well in the end
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Great concept, great stories, great characters. All 3 story lines were heartbreaking and hopeful in their own ways, and felt believable. I loved how the author scattered a few easter eggs to connect the stories. Lots of tears.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Domestic abuse
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Violence
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
How much does one’s name determine who you become? Can the meaning of one’s name provide a clandestine path for the life we live?
Cora is faced with these questions on the day everything changes. One choice. Perhaps, one of the only choices she has in her marriage. What will be the name of her son?
Only, Cora is unable to freely dream and imagine who her son may become because she and her nine year old daughter Maia, are enduring domestic violence. Cora’s greatest hope for Maia and her newborn son, are to live freely, become their own unique people, and shield them from any physical or physiological harm that their father’s terror and violence inflicts.
Cora, the core of the story, and her choice in 1987 engulfs the reader in three different outcomes/timelines spanning 35 years; as she names her child, Bear, Julian, and Gordon. An intricate spider web carefully constructed among characters will result in profound consequences for herself, her children, and her loved ones based on which name Cora writes on the birth certificate.
I want to immediately re-read this novel. A rarity. I want to slowly delight in making new connections and marvel in how Knapp constructed this novel, which left no detail unaccounted for or unimportant. I will cry, laugh, be filled with hope, witness love in many forms, and be left amazed all over again.
This book has crawled into my heart.
So far, the best fiction I’ve read in 2025.
Cora is faced with these questions on the day everything changes. One choice. Perhaps, one of the only choices she has in her marriage. What will be the name of her son?
Only, Cora is unable to freely dream and imagine who her son may become because she and her nine year old daughter Maia, are enduring domestic violence. Cora’s greatest hope for Maia and her newborn son, are to live freely, become their own unique people, and shield them from any physical or physiological harm that their father’s terror and violence inflicts.
Cora, the core of the story, and her choice in 1987 engulfs the reader in three different outcomes/timelines spanning 35 years; as she names her child, Bear, Julian, and Gordon. An intricate spider web carefully constructed among characters will result in profound consequences for herself, her children, and her loved ones based on which name Cora writes on the birth certificate.
I want to immediately re-read this novel. A rarity. I want to slowly delight in making new connections and marvel in how Knapp constructed this novel, which left no detail unaccounted for or unimportant. I will cry, laugh, be filled with hope, witness love in many forms, and be left amazed all over again.
This book has crawled into my heart.
So far, the best fiction I’ve read in 2025.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Violence