The Names: A Read with Jenna Pick

A Novel

De: Florence Knapp

Narrado por: Dervla Kirwan

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND READ WITH JENNA PICK—A WORD-OF-MOUTH HIT THAT BEGS TO BE SHARED

LONGLISTED FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL

“Dazzling.” —The Washington Post

“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, respected in the community but a controlling presence at home, intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and name the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates...

Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of their lives, shaped by Cora’s last-minute 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.

Through a prism of what-ifs, Florence Knapp invites us to consider the "one . . . precious life" we are given. Full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark. It is the story of one family and love’s endless capacity to endure, no matter what fate has in store.

The book’s brilliantly imaginative structure, propulsive storytelling, and emotional power are certain to make The Names a modern classic.

What's in a Name

Three different stories based on what a child is named. The back and forth among the stories was somewhat difficult to keep track of in the audio version.

Character Confusion

The book is well written but the literary device/structure made the book feel disjointed. As a result, it seemed like the author couldn't decide which path to take in multi-tined forked road she created. Because there were different versions of the same characters, none of them was sufficiently developed. I stuck it out through 2/3rds of the book and then gave up.

3 choices 3 different paths 3 results

4 stars for The Names by Florence Knapp. This is a buzz book this summer and so I had to read it because - FOMO. It's the story of a woman/mother, Cora, who in her prime was a ballerina but married a man who was a doctor and very abusive to her - both physically and emotionally. After she delivers her second child, a son, she has to register his name and the story becomes not so much about what a name means and how a name can influence/predict how a person turns out, but more so about how lives can change based on a single decision. So, this story is really three pathways chosen by Cora and the sequela of each choice for the entire family - Cora, her daughter, her son, her husband, her mother. On the first path, Cora impulsively defies her husband and names the child, Bear, because her daughter liked that name. This sets off a sequence of explosive events and the fallout is like ash that clouds their lives long after the eruption. An alternative second pathway is one where Cora very determinedly chooses a name, Julian, for her little boy that will transcend the life they've been given and this decision triggers an entirely different, although equally powerful, series of reactions that change their lives forever. And the last path is the one of least resistance where Cora begrudgingly gives in and names the baby after his father, Gordon. This book is bleak AF. I think the premise of these 3 alternate lives is really unique and was executed beautifully. I just found the story depressing which seems to be a theme in 2025! I did not detract a star because it was a solemn read, though. I deducted it because I was actually a tad bored in some parts. I also found the epilogue confusing and unnecessary. Would recommend for anyone with FOMO who doesn't want to miss out on the most unique book of the summer and can handle heavy themes like domestic abuse.

Beautiful and disturbing story.

This novel is at the top of my reading list. A unique story written in a way I have not experienced. Character development is perfect and story that will stay with me for a long period of time. A must read.

Excellent premise - take notes

While the premise of the story is excellent, it was difficult to keep track of the three parallel storylines via Audible. I often had to relisten and heard from other “book” readers they also had to go back to reference the parallel story lines. The ending was a wonderful surprise and I do recommend this book. I might pay particular attention to characters and which story you are in!!!