jamelynreads25 's review for:

The Names by Florence Knapp

4.5

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense 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

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Cora's abusive, manipulative husband sends her and her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to the registry to name their baby son. Three different paths unfold in which she gives the baby three different names, ending in distinct lives for Cora and her children. This novel is beautiful and lyrical but also heartbreaking and difficult to get through at parts. It has very graphic depictions of domestic violence and psychological abuse.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Grief, Murder