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A review by coreen_b
The Names by Florence Knapp
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book definitely took me on an emotional rollercoaster coaster ride. Most of it was gut-wrenching, almost evoking a physical pain in the chest; but there were some parts that were tender and sweet (though definitely not enough for me to want to reread this soon or at all).
The way it was written makes it easy to follow, despite the 3-pronged path of possibilities, but the images it paints, especially scenes involving Gordon Senior and Cora made the book at times so difficult to get through. I feel like the book needs a trigger warning because of these select scenes.
Otherwise, the message the story packs encompasses so much about living and sharing lives with others - family, friends, lovers. It explores themes such as generational trauma, violence, man's capacity and drive to be good and what happens when we fail to answer this call to goodness.
I thought it was brilliant work for a debut! Will definitely pick up something by Knapp in the future (hopefully she writes something a bit more light-hearted than this though 🥲).
The way it was written makes it easy to follow, despite the 3-pronged path of possibilities, but the images it paints, especially scenes involving Gordon Senior and Cora made the book at times so difficult to get through. I feel like the book needs a trigger warning because of these select scenes.
Otherwise, the message the story packs encompasses so much about living and sharing lives with others - family, friends, lovers. It explores themes such as generational trauma, violence, man's capacity and drive to be good and what happens when we fail to answer this call to goodness.
I thought it was brilliant work for a debut! Will definitely pick up something by Knapp in the future (hopefully she writes something a bit more light-hearted than this though 🥲).