“If put to the pinch, an ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness.” —Elbert Hubbard
Book lovers, we’re in luck! My latest read, The Names by Florence Knapp, involves both loyalty and cleverness. It’s no secret we’re staunch Jenna fans—when it comes to lit recommendations, she consistently lives up to her secret service code name Twinkle. Other authors we feel a loyalty to also promoted this debut novel. Hello Beautiful’s Ann Napolitano gushed: “A truly gorgeous, heart-opening novel. I couldn’t put it down.” Jojo Moyes had this to say: “This beautifully written, wise, and tender first novel is an utter original.”
And who doesn’t love an utter original? We all likely agree that names carry significant weight, but how many of us believe that a name can completely change the trajectory of our lives? Knapp’s story revolves around Cora and Gordon, an off-kilter British couple. (By the way, off-kilter is a euphemism.) Gordon is a tyrant. He’s a well-respected physician by day, and a monster by night. Sadly, Cora is a shell of a human. When she and her daughter, Maia, walk to the registrar’s office to officially name a new baby boy, Cora has a decision to make. Does she defy Gordon? Appease Maia? Or follow her own inspiration? The story follows the baby boy’s life as Bear, Julian, and Gordon. The stark differences between these lives will surprise you. They’ll make you think too. I liked this novel—I doubt I’d read it a second time because the unique and clever premise packs some power that works best the first time you pass Go.
P.S. If you liked the movie Sliding Doors, this one’s for you.
