Join fellow fiction enthusiasts to discuss critically acclaimed novels. This class focuses on The Names (2025) by Florence Knapp.
This noteworthy debut has become an instant bestseller and popular choice among book clubs. Beginning in 1987, Cora, a young mother trapped in an abusive marriage, sets off with her daughter to register her son’s birth. Her husband Gordon intends for his son to be named after him, as is his family's tradition. Cora, however, considers calling him Julian or Bear to reflect aspirations she has for her newborn. The story unfolds in three alternate narratives, each based on the name Cora chooses. Spanning 35 years, the book examines the life-altering impact of that pivotal decision, while exploring the impact of domestic abuse with sensitivity and rich prose.