The Names: A Read with Jenna Pick Audiobook By Florence Knapp cover art

The Names: A Read with Jenna Pick

A Novel

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The Names: A Read with Jenna Pick

By: Florence Knapp
Narrated by: Dervla Kirwan
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Buy for $19.80

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AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND READ WITH JENNA PICK—A WORD-OF-MOUTH HIT THAT BEGS TO BE SHARED

LONGLISTED FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL

“Dazzling.” —The Washington Post

“A magnificent novel.” —Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Horse

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, respected in the community but a controlling presence at home, intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and name the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates...

Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of their lives, shaped by Cora’s last-minute 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.

Through a prism of what-ifs, Florence Knapp invites us to consider the "one . . . precious life" we are given. Full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark. It is the story of one family and love’s endless capacity to endure, no matter what fate has in store.

The book’s brilliantly imaginative structure, propulsive storytelling, and emotional power are certain to make The Names a modern classic. Family Life Literary Fiction Genre Fiction Tearjerking Heartfelt Women's Fiction

Dear Listener,

What is the significance of a name?
"A name is one of the very first things we’re given in life, and growing up to exist within its mold can seem a curious thing. In many ways, our name says less about who we are, and more about our parents’ tastes, our family traditions, or is perhaps a nod to a particular aspiration, era, class, or culture. And yet it becomes inextricably bound to our sense of self. In The Names, I wanted to explore what it might be like to inherit a name from someone less deserving of that tribute. Or if tradition were bucked, to consider whether fate and chance might set that child on a very different course."– Florence Knapp, writer of The Names
Unique Concept • Thought-provoking Premise • Excellent Narration • Creative Storytelling • Beautiful Writing

Highly rated for:

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The writing is poetry, but what stood out most to me is how well the author loved each one of the characters, except the elder Gordon, of course. Each version of Cora and her children were imbued with that love. That’s a rare gift in an authors, and I’m so glad she shared it with us.

Remarkable

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I loved the different stories all woven together. It was very interesting and fun to listen to.

great story

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I loved the different stories. Such a good listen. Easy and the readers voice was lovely.

Loved the story!

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A remarkably well-written and ingeniously told story accurately portraying the insidious effects of coercive control upon the individuals (mostly women) and families subjected to it.

Wonderful book. Outstanding. Thank you!

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This book begins very dark with domestic abuse but upon finishing the book, found it worth listening to.

Interesting story!

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