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bridget_in_md 's review for:
The Names
by Florence Knapp
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 Stars for The Names by Florence Knapp. Small decisions can have big consequences.
The story begins with a small decision: Cora needs to register her newborn sons's name. Her husband, Gordon—a respected doctor—insists the baby be named after him to continue his family legacy. But Cora fears her son will become like his father—an abusive man who hides his toxic nature. She thinks this is her one chance to change the course of her son’s life. She contemplates "Bear" (to make him strong and kind), or "Julian" (Sky father, hoping to honor her husband).
This single decision splinters into three possible futures, over 35 years. The novel masterfully examines how identity, fate, and personal choices intertwine and shows how the power a name might define who a person is.
This was a tough read. TW for domestic abuse.
The story begins with a small decision: Cora needs to register her newborn sons's name. Her husband, Gordon—a respected doctor—insists the baby be named after him to continue his family legacy. But Cora fears her son will become like his father—an abusive man who hides his toxic nature. She thinks this is her one chance to change the course of her son’s life. She contemplates "Bear" (to make him strong and kind), or "Julian" (Sky father, hoping to honor her husband).
This single decision splinters into three possible futures, over 35 years. The novel masterfully examines how identity, fate, and personal choices intertwine and shows how the power a name might define who a person is.
This was a tough read. TW for domestic abuse.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse