The Names: A Read with Jenna Pick

A Novel

De: Florence Knapp

Narrado por: Dervla Kirwan

THE YEAR'S BREAKOUT NOVEL—A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND READ WITH JENNA PICK

“Dazzling. . . Knapp tirelessly and beautifully replicates not just loss and grief but endless rebirth and delight.” —The Washington Post

“Elegant. . . this is a wholly original work.” —People Magazine

“A magnificent novel.” —Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Horse

The extraordinary novel that asks: Can a name change the course of a life?

In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register her son's birth. Her husband, Gordon, a local doctor, respected in the community but a terrifying and controlling presence at home, intends for her to name the infant after him. But when the registrar asks what she'd like to call the child, Cora hesitates...

Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of Cora's and her young son's lives, shaped by her choice of name. In richly layered prose, The Names explores the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities of autonomy and healing.

With exceptional sensitivity and depth, Knapp draws us into the story of one family, told through a prism of what-ifs, causing us to consider the "one . . . precious life" we are given. The book’s brilliantly imaginative structure, propulsive storytelling, and emotional, gut-wrenching power are certain to make The Names a modern classic.

Interesting concept- Three short stories in one novel with all the same characters but different outcomes.

I enjoyed the novel, but the narration could have been much better. Between the narrator’s accent and her soft voice, rising and falling, it was often necessary to replay various parts or just to miss something.

What's in a Name? Everything

interesting idea...how does a name shape who a person may become and how different their life may be if they have a different name

So heartbreaking / so beautiful

Such an incredible book. Loved the narration. Such a sad, beautiful, and creatively told story which is heartbreaking to know there are families going through this kind of trauma. Could not stop listening.

Character development

Authors ability to make charter come alive with genuine thoughts emotions tenderness in love and sorrow and joy

The unusual premise

The artist is a beautiful writer. Very intelligently written and the ending was wonderful and surprising.

I approached this title suspiciously, but came to really care about these characters

Using a device like this can really seem gimmicky, but I was pleasantly surprised by how effective it was in this case. Even though I got a little bit confused from time to time as to whose story I was in, I still was anxious to see how that particular version was working out. And be so in hopes of a happy ending in spite of everything. Warning: there are some hard to bear scenes of cruelty in this book. There was a time or two I thought I couldn’t go on. The pain was worth the satisfaction of the experience, however. I will now retreat to the safer space of a less immersive experience for my next book. A Scottish murder mystery will feel like a comedy after this.

Hidden truth

Very creative with the three different realities that unfold based on a name of a child… I was intrigued through the entire story… heartbroken often and touched by tenderness

So much in a name

This book was a fascinating look at how names have power. A moving, sometimes disturbing novel, my interest never flagged and I could not wait to find what happened next in each scenario. Highly recommend.

Excellent writing but…..

The writing and narration were excellent. Trying to keep track of three story lines not so much. Was frustrating trying to remember what happened in what storyline!

Very different and engaging!

I liked the juxtaposition of the three different characters and the three very different stories that emerged on the premise of the only difference being the name of the baby.