It is 1987, and in the aftermath of a great storm, Cora sets out with her nine-year-old daughter to register the birth of her son. Her husband intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and call the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates. Going against his wishes is a risk that will have consequences, but is it right for her child to inherit his name from generations of domineering men? The choice she makes in this moment will shape the course of their lives.
Seven years later, her son is Bear, a name chosen by his sister, and one that will prove as cataclysmic as the storm from which it emerged. Or he is Julian, the name his mother set her heart on, believing it will enable him to become his own person. Or he is Gordon, named after his father and raised in his cruel image – but is there still a chance to break the mould?
Powerfully moving and 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.
Book Info: Print length: 352 pages. Publisher: Phoenix. Publication date: 6 May 2025. Listening length: 9 hours 41 mins. Narrator: Dervla Kirwan
My Thoughts.
This has been sitting on my kindle for most of the year, but due to other commitments I hadn’t been able to read it. I did, however, recommend it to my 2 sisters to read and they both LOVED it. I had also lost my audio mojo and decided to use my credit and listen to The Names whilst walking my dog and I can’t begin to tell you how glad I did. Not only is this beautifully narrated, but it’s reignited my love of audible too.
The story begins in 1987 when Cora, a married mother of 1 daughter is on her way to register the birth of her newborn son. She is facing 3 choices; naming him Gordon, after his father and following a strict family tradition; naming him Julian, a name she loves or calling him Bear which his sister, Maia has chosen.
The story is then split into 3 as we follow Bear, Julian and Gordon through their lives every 7 years. The Names is extraordinary and shows what happens when a single decision shapes the rest of your life with devastating results.
There are triggers in this book and readers should be advised that domestic violence, physical and verbal abuse are central to the story. Please be aware that these scenes are powerful, brutal and very disturbing, but are an important aspect of the plot and give the reader a better understanding of why each version of Bear, Julian and Gordon took the different paths in their lives.
There is also a lovely section at the end of the audio where the author explains why she choose each and every character’s name in the book.
Without doubt one of my top books of the year and I would recommend this to anyone and everyone, especially those who love character led fiction.
