The Names: A Read with Jenna Pick

A Novel

By: Florence Knapp

Narrated by: 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.

Remarkable

The writing is poetry, but what stood out most to me is how well the author loved each one of the characters, except the elder Gordon, of course. Each version of Cora and her children were imbued with that love. That’s a rare gift in an authors, and I’m so glad she shared it with us.

great story

I loved the different stories all woven together. It was very interesting and fun to listen to.

Loved the story!

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

Wonderful book. Outstanding. Thank you!

A remarkably well-written and ingeniously told story accurately portraying the insidious effects of coercive control upon the individuals (mostly women) and families subjected to it.

Interesting story!

This book begins very dark with domestic abuse but upon finishing the book, found it worth listening to.