What’s In A Name?

 That’s the question to be answered through The Names by Florence Knapp.

This book begins with the official naming of a baby by its mother, Cora. She heads on down to the registrar’s office thinking about it. She has her nine year old daughter, Maia, with her. The baby’s name is supposed to be Gordon, after his father, in the family tradition. But does Cora want to continue that tradition? She’s not sure. What she is sure of is that she doesn’t want her baby boy to grow up to be like his father - a manipulative and abusive man. Maia, the baby’s older sister suggests they name him Bear, strong and solid but also soft and cuddly. Cora likes the name Julian, it means sky father. Since Maia means mother, maybe Cora naming the baby Julian (father?) won’t be so bad.

Those are the three ‘names’ which formulate the story of this family and their lives over some thirty years.  Different paths are formulated for the family (Cora, Maia and dad Gordon) with differing outcomes depending on which name is used. Spousal abuse is prevalent throughout the characters lives. Different names, different actions and or reactions. 

This isn’t a particularly original story idea but it’s done well. I’m not the best with alternate storylines in one book but this one wasn’t difficult to follow as it went back and forth between names. The characters (except dad) were warm and caring and stay with one for a day or two after you finish reading. 


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