The Names

A Novel

De: Florence Knapp

Narrado por: Dervla Kirwan

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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.

©2025 Florence Knapp (P)2025 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“A tour de force. . . truly mesmerizing and profound. Knapp crafts a world where names are keys that can unlock the truth about who we are and who we can become. At once haunting and revelatory, The Names is a brilliant exploration of the choices that define our lives.”—Alison Espach, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding People

“Beautiful, heart-wrenching, utterly original.”—Miranda Cowley Heller, international #1 bestselling author of The Paper Palace

“Magnificent. A stunning, hopeful, bitterly beautiful novel. The Names is a story of decisions, both grand and miniature, of how each is sewn into the tapestry of what makes us uniquely us. And how a single change can be our making and unraveling. Read it. It’s very special.”—Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author of All The Colors of the Dark

“I'm left haunted by this book, and I can’t wait to read whatever comes next for Florence Knapp. What a remarkable debut.”—Mary Beth Keane, New York Times bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes

A different read

This was such a great story! It was well written and I didn’t want to put it down.

Utter originality

Narration excellent. Story imaginative, sorrowful and beautiful. I recommend it to anyone who loves good writing and a story well told.

Loved the story!

I loved the different stories. Such a good listen. Easy and the readers voice was lovely.

Unique and thought provoking

I loved everything about this book. Couldn’t stop listening. The reader is reminded that choices we make in life can alter the course we are on but that these choices each have positives and negatives instead of any being absolutely “right”.

Compelling unusual story!

Highly recommend - outstanding narration! This is a compelling and unusual story and makes you think about the power of a name and the naming of the child.

Fantastic!

I could not put this book down. Very clever, heartbreaking and uplifting. Will follow the author for future work.

Draws You In

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it drew me in like Where The Crawdads Sing. Great premise and fantastic storytelling.

The way being named after someone doesn’t define the future.

To long and confusing it was hard to get into. The story jumps and to much.