The Names by Florence Knapp, a book review

I found this book after reading Sarah’s review. It sounded very original and I like stories that veer from the norm.

The Names

The Blurb

It is 1987, and in the aftermath of a great storm, Cora sets out with her nine-year-old daughter to register the birth of her son. Her husband intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and call the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates. Going against his wishes is a risk that will have consequences, but is it right for her child to inherit his name from generations of domineering men? The choice she makes in this moment will shape the course of their lives.

Seven years later, her son is Bear, a name chosen by his sister, and one that will prove as cataclysmic as the storm from which it emerged. Or he is Julian, the name his mother set her heart on, believing it will enable him to become his own person. Or he is Gordon, named after his father and raised in his cruel image – but is there still a chance to break the mould?

Powerfully moving and 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.

My Review of The Names

I was wary about listening to this on audio book but I have so many credits and I really wanted to ‘read’ it. I had a feeling it would be hard to keep track of with three stories of the same family and what would happen after Cora, the mother, chose her son’s name.

The book was read by the lovely Dervla Kerwan who gives both English and Irish accents perfectly. And, it really wasn’t hard to follow at all seeing as each seven years the family was introduced by the boys name for that period.

The book has some harrowing domestic violence scenes which may be upsetting for some. The children grow up differently in each of the three scenario’s and so do the people around them. Each update is 7 years apart so they start at the youngest child’s birth, and follow the family until he is 28.

All along you don’t know what will happen to each of the boy’s lives who’s paths are chosen simply by a name, and the ending is surprising.

It sounds difficult to follow but it really isn’t and it’s so well written with so much detail, I will listen to it again.