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From the publisher:
In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her 9-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 35 years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of Cora’s and her young son’s lives, shaped by her choice of name. 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.
Rapid Rating: Moderate.
Profanity includes 5 instances of moderate profanity, about 10 uses of mild language, and about 20 instances of the name of Deity in vain. Sexual content includes some talk about it, some kissing, and a scene where a drunk young man takes things farther than the woman wants. Violence includes at least one scene of domestic violence.
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