The Names by Florence Knapp

The Names by Florence Knapp is a powerful, multi-generational literary novel that explores identity, family legacy, and the consequences of inherited expectations. Set across several decades—from the late 1980s through the early 2000s—the story follows Cora, her daughter Maia, and her newborn son as they navigate a life shaped by control, tradition, and the struggle for autonomy. When Cora defies her husband’s demand to continue a family naming tradition, a single act of rebellion triggers events that expose emotional turmoil, generational trauma, and the quiet resilience required to break cycles of harm. With shifting perspectives across years and characters, the novel blends emotional depth with psychological tension, examining how names shape destiny, how silence enables abuse, and how courage can redefine the future of an entire family. Atmospheric, character-driven, and emotionally gripping, The Names is a compelling read for lovers of contemporary literary fiction, domestic drama, and powerful stories about survival, identity, and the bonds between mothers and children.