THE NAMES BY FLORENCE KNAPP
In the United States, we usually name our babies before they even leave the hospital, but in England, new parents are given a forty-two days’ grace period to live with their child before they register their birth with their local field office. In Florence Knapp’s THE NAMES, what would usually be a normal ritual for a new parent becomes a critical point of no return for new mother Cora.
While it has been made clear by her husband, Gordon, they will follow in his family’s tradition and name the baby after him, as Cora and her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, walk to the registry office, the two discuss possible other names. Maia is set on “Bear.” A name that she thinks sounds warm and cuddly, but also strong and protective. Cora likes “Julian,” and reasons that it could still be considered a tribute to her husband since it means “sky father.”
During the discussion, the wishes of her husband weigh heavily on Cora’s mind, because despite Gordon being a well-respected local doctor, and a pillar of the community, he is a terrifying and volatile tyrant behind closed doors. She usually does her best to not upset him, but she knows she must try to make the best decision for her new baby.
When Cora arrives at the field office she hesitates when it is time to fill in the blank for her son’s name. Will she adhere to the expectations of her domineering husband or will she follow her heart and give the baby a different name?
What follows next is three stories. Told so readers learn what life looks like for the baby depending on which birth name Cora selects. One story features Bear, one Julian and one Gordon.
It is a fascinating and inventive concept that Knapp utilizes. Readers get three separate glimpses into the child’s life, depending on the name chosen. The novel jumps forward in seven year increments and readers learn not only what Bear, Julian or Gordon have each been up to, but also what has transpired with Cora, Maia and other supporting characters.
Knapp is not the first to use this “what-if” concept, think of the popular 1998 “Sliding Doors” movie, but I found Knapp’s use of this storyline immensely effective and satisfying. Each story is compelling on its own, but the combination makes this “Read with Jenna” selection ripe for discussion.
The question of how much of one’s life is determined simply by the name that is assigned at birth is brilliantly explored. The novel quietly implores readers to consider how much of their own path was set the moment their parents wrote their name on the birth certificate. Knapp’s thoughtful, matter-of-fact narration keeps the narrative moving forward and readers will be hard-pressed to put this one down. I highly recommend it!
Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director
