The Names Audiobook By Florence Knapp cover art

The Names

A Novel

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The Names

By: Florence Knapp
Narrated by: Dervla Kirwan
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About this listen

Listen with Jenna Book Club Pick as Featured on TODAY

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, a local doctor, respected in the community but a terrifying and controlling presence at home, intends for her to name the infant after him. But when the registrar asks what she'd like to call the child, Cora hesitates...

Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of Cora's and her young son's lives, shaped by her 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.

With exceptional sensitivity and depth, Knapp draws us into the story of one family, told through a prism of what-ifs, causing us to consider the "one . . . precious life" we are given. The book’s brilliantly imaginative structure, propulsive storytelling, and emotional, gut-wrenching power are certain to make The Names a modern classic.

©2025 Florence Knapp (P)2025 Penguin Audio
Family Life Genre Fiction Women's Fiction
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Critic reviews

“A tour de force. . . truly mesmerizing and profound. Knapp crafts a world where names are keys that can unlock the truth about who we are and who we can become. At once haunting and revelatory, The Names is a brilliant exploration of the choices that define our lives.”—Alison Espach, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding People

“Beautiful, heart-wrenching, utterly original.”—Miranda Cowley Heller, international #1 bestselling author of The Paper Palace

“Magnificent. A stunning, hopeful, bitterly beautiful novel. The Names is a story of decisions, both grand and miniature, of how each is sewn into the tapestry of what makes us uniquely us. And how a single change can be our making and unraveling. Read it. It’s very special.”—Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author of All The Colors of the Dark

“I'm left haunted by this book, and I can’t wait to read whatever comes next for Florence Knapp. What a remarkable debut.”—Mary Beth Keane, New York Times bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes

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
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What a beautiful look at what life could be if things had been different, even if some of the details would remain the same.

Beautiful picture of what’s in a name

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I loved everything about this book. Couldn’t stop listening. The reader is reminded that choices we make in life can alter the course we are on but that these choices each have positives and negatives instead of any being absolutely “right”.

Unique and thought provoking

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I’ve been waiting for this book. It is so touching on so many levels. My favorite so far this year (2025)

Truly Exceptional

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Highly recommend - outstanding narration! This is a compelling and unusual story and makes you think about the power of a name and the naming of the child.

Compelling unusual story!

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This was such a great story! It was well written and I didn’t want to put it down.

A different read

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What a great book. I really enjoy how she developed each character and how each life evolved. I don’t often write reviews and I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’ll keep it short. This is a must read/listen.

Amazing debut

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What a hauntingly unique premise and storytelling! There are many triggers in regards to domestic violence, yet the lives of the main characters are front and center. I couldn't stop reading.

Unputdownable!

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I could not put this book down. Very clever, heartbreaking and uplifting. Will follow the author for future work.

Fantastic!

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it drew me in like Where The Crawdads Sing. Great premise and fantastic storytelling.

Draws You In

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The narrator was able to
Completely take you into each moment- each scene with such profoundness that you are left staring almost breathless

Beautiful story of the human experience

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