A name like Julian would honor the father–Julian means “sky father”–without dooming the baby to be just like his father. When Cora asks Maia what she would name the baby, she says Bear. It’s a name that conjures feelings of strength and warmth. But now with three opinions, what name will Cora register for her son? The decision she makes will change everything about their lives and inform the type of person her son grows up to be.
This is where the novel diverges into three alternating timelines. In one timeline, Cora names her son Gordon. In another, she goes with Julian. In a third timeline, she chooses the name Bear. The reader follows each of these timelines through Gordon, Julian, and Bear’s lives over the next 37 years. Depending on his name, the child grows up to become a very different person. But that’s not all that changes. Everyone in the family is affected by this seemingly small decision. Each timeline is marked by moments of triumph and moments of tragedy.
The Names was such an engrossing read. Regardless of where the story took these characters, I was interested in their journey and curious to see where their lives would take them. I found myself reflecting often on the nature of options and how there was ultimately no choice Cora made that seemed more right than the other. Each had consequences, both good and bad. This novel also takes a hard look at abuse and domestic violence, which, at times, was difficult to read. But I was impressed by how thoughtful Knapp’s portrayal of abusive relationships was. Abuse is a complex subject that is hard to confront in fiction, but Knapp nails it.
I know we’re already halfway through January, but it’s not too late to reflect on the choices ahead of you. Many people have been talking about this book, and for very good reason. Make sure you read it too!
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