I know this author as a textile artist – I have her other book, so I was interested to read this one. And then there was a good review in The Australian.
Here’s the blurb …
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, a local doctor, respected in the community but a terrifying and controlling presence at home, intends for her to name the infant after him. But when the registrar asks what she’d like to call the child, Cora hesitates…
Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of Cora’s and her young son’s lives, shaped by her 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.
With exceptional sensitivity and depth, Knapp draws us into the story of one family, told through a prism of what-ifs, causing us to consider the “one . . . precious life” we are given. The book’s brilliantly imaginative structure, propulsive storytelling, and emotional, gut-wrenching power are certain to make The Names a modern classic.
This novel had a very interesting concept about names. Does our name effect our personality, life journey and the way other people treat us? There are lovely chapters on the various characters getting on with their lives – meeting people, finding a passion, etc.
I do think it should come with a trigger warning for domestic violence, and something happens to one of the versions of Cora’s son, which made me want to throw the book across the room. Originally I thought I would suggest it to my book club, but not now. Which isn’t to say it’s not beautifully written, moving and ultimately satisfying.
A review.
