The Names by Florence Knapp - Review

My friend Stacey raved about this book so I requested it at the library and I had to wait a while because it was in hot demand, but eventually it came to me and I read it at the end of August. It's mid October now though and I'm only just getting round to reviewing it. I'm so far behind but trying SO hard to get caught up because I keep forgetting the details of books and it's incredibly irritating. I am relying on google!

Anyway! This book is about Cora, a mum with two children. In the autumn of 1987, she sets out after the notorious hurricane to register the birth of her six week old son. In a Sliding Doors kind of way, in each reality she chooses a different name and we get to see what happens to the family in each one. We catch up with the family every seven years until almost the present day, when that baby is now an adult. Cora is married to Gordon, he is the father of her children, and he is abusive towards her. He is a GP after failing to become a surgeon like his dad, and he's got a massive chip on his shoulder about it. Maia, their little girl, is old enough to realise what her dad is like.

In the first reality, Cora names the baby Bear, at Maia's suggestion. He becomes that cuddly bear when he is seven. At that time, Gordon is in prison for murdering a man who came to Cora's rescue on the night that she told Gordon that she had named the baby Bear. Cora and the children have escaped from his clutches and are rebuilding their lives. Maia is very protective of her baby brother but life still has its tragedies. Maia is left with PTSD from her dad. 

In the second reality, Cora names the baby Julian, which is her choice. I don't want to give spoilers for this reality because it was so shocking to read and I want every reader to have that experience too. I loved the ending of Julian's arc. No more from me! Read the book!

In the third reality, the baby is named Gordon, after his father. He is very much moulded in his image and is nearly as cruel as his father. Cora is still married to him and in his clutches and the abuse to which she is subjected is horrific. By the end she is not allowed a key to her own house, is not allowed out without Gordon being there. She is an old lady and still suffering. Maia tries desperately to get her mother free. Gordon Jr has had his problems but there is light at the end of this arc.

I loved Cora and Maia and the baby in each story. Cora and Maia are easy to sympathise with and I loved the triad that the three had. Gordon is incredibly easy to believe - you know people ARE as abusive as that. He is AWFUL, but so well written. A very good villain to hate. 

It is a really interesting concept and I think Florence Knapp did brilliantly. What impact would a small and yet huge decision like this make to your life? It's fascinating to think about. My only criticism is that sometimes I found it hard to remember what that particular iteration of the baby had been doing last time. It would have been easier to read if you read all of Bear's story first, then all of Julian's, and then all of Gordon's, rather than going B/J/G/B/J/G etc. But that might just be me! I really liked the book and will definitely look out for Florence's next book. In all I am giving this four out of five.