A Captivating Narrative
Florence Knapp’s debut novel, The Names, introduces readers to a gripping tale that intertwines three distinct timelines, all profoundly influenced by the weighty question of identity and the far-reaching impacts of domestic violence. The story opens with the tension of a thunderstorm, setting the stage for Cora’s challenging dilemma: what name will she choose for her son, a choice she fears carries with it the potential for long-lasting repercussions.
Names and Their Significance
As Cora grapples with this decision, we delve into the lives of her two children over a span of 35 years. Each timeline presents a journey shaped by a different name for Cora’s son, revealing the depths of her struggle and the enduring effects of her husband’s legacy. In one timeline, Cora’s daughter Maia chooses the whimsical name
