Florence Knapp's debut novel, The Names, released in 2024, has been hailed as a standout read by a reviewer who reads around 50 books a year. Described as an utterly original take on the 'sliding doors' concept, the book explores how a small decision—the naming of a baby boy—can shape three different lives.
The story begins on the day Cora sets out with her nine-year-old daughter to name her newborn son. She has three options: Gordon, as demanded by her abusive husband; Bear, a nickname from her daughter; or Julian, her own choice. The novel is divided into three sections, each following the ramifications of the chosen name and the boy's life over the decades.
Set after the Great Storm of 1987, the novel is a gripping family drama that examines nominative determinism. It also portrays domestic violence and its long-term impact, with one version seeing Cora leave her husband and another showing continued abuse. Despite darker themes, the book has the charm of cult hits like William Boyd's Any Human Heart or Min Jin Lee's Pachinko.
The reviewer tore through the book in two sittings while on holiday, praising its beautiful prose and compelling characters. The Names is a Sunday Times bestseller with an average rating of 4.18 on Goodreads and a nomination in the Goodreads Choice Awards. The paperback is currently half price on Amazon, costing less than £5.
Knapp's only other book is a non-fiction guide to English paper piecing, but her first foray into fiction is described as a masterclass—devastating yet life-affirming. The novel is a universal hit across all ages and is recommended as a must-read for 2026.
