Erica’s Pick of the Week: The Names

Ask any prospective parent: names are a big deal. Sure, a rose by any other name might smell as sweet, but if Rose has to go through middle school? You’d best choose carefully. 

So the premise of Florence Knapp’s novel The Names is instantly, instinctively intriguing. In 1987, Cora Atkins takes her newborn son to the town registrar’s office, but when it comes time to choose a name, she hesitates. Her husband, the town’s beloved doctor who is secretly, viciously abusive, expects the child to be named Gordon, after him. Her nine-year-old daughter suggests Bear, because the boy is cuddly but strong. Cora herself longs to name him Julian.

And then Cora chooses a name. But which one?

All of them, actually. The story splits into three separate narratives – one for each name – and revisits the boy and his family in seven-year increments. We see the gradual unfolding of Gordon/Bear/Julian’s life over decades, offering insight into how his name has influenced every aspect of his world. There are commonalities between his varied lives, certainly, but each timeline spins in vastly different directions. Major characters from one thread receive only a passing mention in another; some are most notable by their absence. 

None of his lives unfold as expected.

In less capable hands, The Names would be a muddy, confusing mess. But Florence Knapp deftly braids together three distinct timelines (and casts of characters). Cora’s singular choice has a ripple effect not just on her son, but on herself and her daughter. The author’s skillfully drawn characters and nimble plotting make it easy to differentiate the timelines, but paying closer attention yields both unexpected connections and complex questions. How do other people’s choices shape our lives? How much of our identity is fixed? Are our lives fated, or is it possible for someone to choose their own path?

At times, this is a gut-wrenching read. Knapp excels at creating characters we grow to love, but she doesn’t shield them from tragedy. The cruelty Cora suffers at the hands of her husband is truly horrific. But there are moments of triumph as well. Ultimately, it’s a tremendously hopeful story – one that finds joy in small moments and meaningful connections. 

Moving, original, and thought-provoking, The Names will appeal to fans of character-driven stories that are emotionally engaging and explore big ideas, such as Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Hello Beautiful, and All The Colors of The Dark.