The Book House Book of the Year 2025
A once-in-a-generation debut from a major new talent, The Names is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark.
It is 1987, and in the wake of a great storm, Cora sets out with her young daughter to register the birth of her son. Her husband expects her to follow tradition and call the baby after him - but is it right for her child to inherit his name from generations of domineering men? Her choice will shape the course of their lives.
Seven years later, her son is Bear, a name chosen by his sister, hoping he will grow up to be brave and big-hearted. Or he is Julian, the name his mother set her heart on, keen for 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.
'I've just been blown away by the best debut novel in years . . . A genius idea for a book' Sunday Times
'Wildly original and emotionally profound' Observer
'An unadulterated success: moving, evocative and utterly convincing' The Times
'A beautiful, heart wrenching, utterly original novel' Miranda Cowley Heller
'One of those rare books that makes you glad to be alive' Stylist
'Magnificent . . . Read it. It's very special' Chris Whitaker
'Exceptional . . . will stay with me for a very long time' Anita Rani, Woman's Hour
'Brilliant . . . one of those books that will make you irritable with anyone who interrupts you, but which you'll finish wanting to press into the hands of a friend' The Times