The Names: 'The best debut novel in years' Sunday Times

The Names is the debut novel from Florence Knapp and what an incredible debut it is. The concept is simple enough: do our names affect the person we become and influence the paths of our lives? Names used to be chosen very carefully for their meaning, although we don’t do that so much these days, perhaps hoping to imbue the child with the qualities of the name. Cora is in an abusive marriage and when she goes to register the birth of her son, she has three names to choose from. Her daughter, Maia, wants the baby to be called Bear, Cora favours Julian which means sky father but her husband Gordon wants the baby named after him. The story then splits into three parts and we follow the journey of boy to man, with each section showing an alternate version of life for each name choice, jumping forward seven years each time. Cora’s choice of name for her son has three different outcomes and leads to three very different lives for her, her son and Maia. Although the book is about the life of Bear/Julian/Gordon, I’d say it’s equally a very powerful exploration of controlling relationships and how they affect a family. It was so fascinating to read the three different scenarios and see where the lives diverged over the years or sometimes where they touched. Are the characters essentially the same, regardless of name or does it have a profound effect on their lives in so many ways? This book is so thought-provoking. Each variation of the life has its emotive, memorable and moving scenes. This is an amazing debut novel and Florence Knapp is without doubt a very talented writer. I found The Names utterly compelling, incredibly moving and very powerful. Without doubt, one of my books of the year.

Florence Knapp’s debut novel, The Names, is a compelling exploration of how a single decision can change the course of an entire life. After the Great Storm of 1987, Cora goes to register her newborn son’s birth. Her husband, Gordon, insists on tradition, naming the boy after himself, but Cora hesitates. From that moment, Knapp spins three alternate timelines shaped by three different names: Bear, Julian, and Gordon. With remarkable dexterity, Knapp examines themes of identity, fate, family, and the limitless possibilities that can unfold from one choice. She also confronts the lasting impact of domestic violence and the ways its effects echo across generations. This inventive, unsettling, and deeply moving novel filled me with dread at times, yet it also offers moments of hope, beauty, and love. Knapp captures the warmth and wonder of human existence while weaving a story marked by tragedy, and ultimately bringing it together in a poignant, beautifully crafted ending.

I read this book in one sitting. I was totally compelled by the premise of the book, the reality of the characters and the rawness of the story. On finishing the book, I held it close to me and said 'wow'. The concept of the multiple lives it could be possible to live, because of the decisions we make, is something I've often though about. Knapp manages to weave the core elements of the characters humanity across each version of their lives. This book is so well written, so totally considered, leaving me incredibly emotional many times. This is one of the best books I have ever read; I like to give away book but this one I will keep and read again and again. Thank you for this stunning work

This is an outstanding debut from Florence Knapp. Emotional, powerful and incredibly moving as the author takes us on journey of parallel lives based on the name given to a child. Itis beautifully written and there is a wonderful uniqueness on the 'Sliding Doors' theme. It is disturbing in places as it centres around domestic abuse but it's handled perfectly by the author. This was a book so far out of my comfort zone and I wasn't sure it would live up to the hype surrounding it or whether I would enjoy it - glad to say it surpassed on both counts. A truly epic book that will stay with you long after reading. Take a bow Ms Knapp and all the stars for this one

Thought provoking book. Very well written. Some tough subjects (domestic abuse) covered.

This novel is a masterclass in storytelling and psychological depth, built around a simple yet profound premise: what if your life changed based on the name you were given at birth? It follows three parallel narratives; where Cora has named her son Bear, Julien, and Gordon. The author explores the power in a name, and how a name might steer identity, relationships, and fate. I found the concept so clever. The idea that a name could shape the lives of a person and that of their close contacts really resonated with me. I’ve often questioned my own name fit, finding Anne-Marie too ordinary, too ‘religious’ and too safe. Regardless, I still feel I ended up in the life that was meant for me! The author also provides an index of the meaning of the different character names at the end which was an enriching touch, as each name was so deliberately chosen. Bear’s arc was my favorite: warm, emotionally grounded, and quietly heroic. His love story with Lily, his moment with the crying child on the train, and his struggle to balance ambition with love were beautifully told. Julien’s story was tender and sad, yet redemptive. His battle with self-doubt and inherited trauma, and eventual emotional awakening, brought a quiet satisfaction. Gordon’s version was hardest to read with a transfer of abuse, control, and manipulation chillingly portrayed. Ultimately, the novel asks: do our names define us, or do we shape our own stories? This book shows how it is possibly both. A super and highly original read.

I very rarely write reviews but, having just finished this novel, I felt compelled. This is one of the most haunting, beautiful novels I have ever read; it is dark, powerful, beautiful and hopeful all at once. Read this book and read it now!

I enjoyed it. An interesting and painful story spanning many years.

The moment I read the synopsis of the book I knew it will be interesting, but I did not think it would break my heart and made me cry a lot hehe I highly recommend this book. Is one of the best books I have read this year. Thanks to Goodreads challenge I got the opportunity to read this book so I am very happy I chose to read it.

Names is a well-written and original story that explores how a person’s name can shape their destiny in an alternative reality. The author’s concept is creative and engaging, and the writing feels confident throughout. The book also handles domestic violence with honesty and sensitivity, showing clearly how victims think and feel, as well as how abusers manipulate and control. Overall, Names is a thoughtful, impactful read that blends emotional realism with a unique speculative idea.

À Nice and interesting story about different scenarios to reactions to domestic violence. Sad truth about the reality of domestic violence and how it destroys families

Loved this book! Very original storytelling. Pretty shocking and sad in some parts but spellbinding