The Names

The Names by Florence Knapp Paperback (2026) | Sunday Times Bestseller | Best Debut Novel

Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
Date of Release: 26 March 2026

Literary awards : Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Fiction and for Debut Novel (2025), Book of the Month Book of the Year Award Nominee (2025), She Reads Best of Award for Literary Fiction (2025), Libby Award Nominee for Best Debut (2026)

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

One moment. One decision. Three completely different lives.

The Names by Florence Knapp is a powerful, once-in-a-generation debut that explores how a single choice can shape destiny in ways we never imagine. Set in 1987 after a devastating storm, Cora must decide what to name her newborn son — a decision that carries the weight of tradition, identity, and defiance.

Her husband expects the child to inherit his name, continuing a legacy shaped by generations of control. But Cora hesitates. Should she follow tradition… or choose a different future for her son?

From this moment unfolds three parallel versions of life:

Bear – a name chosen with love, yet filled with unexpected consequences
Julian – a name of individuality and hope
Gordon – a name tied to legacy, power, and a difficult inheritance

Each path reveals a different story of family, identity, and the struggle to break free from the past.

Deeply emotional, beautifully written, and full of quiet resilience, The Names is a must-read literary novel that explores the enduring strength of love — even in the face of fate.

Why You’ll Love This Book
Instant Sunday Times Bestseller
Unique multi-life narrative structure
Emotional and thought-provoking storytelling
Strong themes of identity, family, and choice
Perfect for fans of literary and contemporary fiction

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