The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) is a “sliding doors” debut novel exploring how a single decision shapes a life. In 1987, Cora hesitates to name her baby after her abusive husband, Gordon, and the narrative splits into three paths over 35 years: the life of Bear, Julian, or Gordon (Jr), exploring themes of abuse, resilience, and fate.

I find it had to believe that this is a debut novel. It is immense, beautifully written, emotional and at times harrowing. One decision taken in three different ways leads to three different outcomes for one family, and told in three storylines. This book is really wonderful and I felt sad today that I had finished it so quickly.

Categories: Books