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.
'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 THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES
BESTSELLER It is 1987 and in the aftermath of a great storm Cora sets out with her
nine-year-old daughter to register the birth of her son. Her husband intends for her to follow
a long-standing family tradition and call the baby after him. But when faced with the decision
Cora hesitates. Going against his wishes is a risk that will have consequences but is it right
for her child to inherit his name from generations of domineering men? The choice she makes in
this moment will shape the course of their lives. Seven years later her son is Bear a name
chosen by his sister and one that will prove as cataclysmic as the storm from which it
emerged. Or he is Julian the name his mother set her heart on believing it will enable 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. It is the story of one family and love's endless capacity to endure
no matter what fate has in store. CHOSEN AS A SUNDAY TIMES DAILY MAIL RED PRIMA
STYLIST and EVENING STANDARD BOOK OF 2025 | A READ WITH JENNA BOOKCLUB PICK 'The viral
literary hit of the summer' Grazia 'A beautiful heartwrenching utterly original novel'
Miranda Cowley Heller 'The 2025 book that will be everywhere . . . One of those rare books
that makes you glad to be alive' Stylist 'Magnificent . . . Read it. It's very special'
Chris Whitaker 'Beautifully written and wise and tender . . . An utter original' Jojo
Moyes 'Exceptional . . . will stay with me for a very long time' Anita Rani Woman's Hour
'Heart-shattering . . . a sucker punch of a novel that I think will be one of the biggest books
of the year' Pandora Sykes 'A modern classic' Jenna Bush Hager 'Heartbreaking and yet
brimful of hope . . . Exceptional' Mail on Sunday '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 'Astonishing unique and incredibly moving
The Names is a beautiful novel about the courage of a mother in the moment she names her child
. . . I know it will stay with me for a long time' Jeanine Cummins
