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Original poster

Anyone read The Names?

110 replies

wherethewildthingis · 26/07/2025 08:47

Has anyone read this one. Really enjoyed it and keen to talk about it!

OP posts:
Flatandhappy · 10/11/2025 23:35

Absolutely loved it.

Wishihadanalgorithm · 08/11/2025 01:07

Our school’s book club is reading it. I ADORE this book - I’m half way through and have read it at bedtime for two nights. Normally I’m asleep by now but it’s managing to keep a an exhausted teacher awake.

Pieceofpurplesky · 06/11/2025 21:13

It's just such a great book. It's gut wrenching, heartbreaking and beautiful!

Tammygirl12 · 06/11/2025 20:46

Chiming in here that I’ve just finished this book and it was excellent. I didn’t want it to end!!

MonkeyTennis34 · 12/10/2025 08:46

Now having met Florence Knapp in person, I love the book even more.
She is absolutely delightful, self-deprecating and so very appreciative of the reception her first book has received.
I listened to it on audible, I may very well read the hard copy. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book twice.

Piknik · 11/10/2025 22:56

Bumping this as I've just finished it and feel bereft.

One of the best debut novels I've ever read. The characters were all utterly convincing and I cried more than once.

I especially love the little references to people or events that transcended the different versions/names. A brief reference to the Paris bombing in one version. The lovely vet having two different roles in two different narratives. The wasp stings. Lily. All the little crossovers where the universe put people in front of Bear/Julian/Gordon over and over again. Just magical.

And even the thoughtful names that everyone had as per the afterward. Every name perfectly suited to each character.

Just breathtakingly good.

SwallowsandAmazonians · 05/09/2025 11:26

LOVED it. The audiobook was beautiful, I didn't want it to end!

Specsalot · 05/09/2025 11:20

Just finished this book and loved it! I’m fascinated by names anyway so this subject for a book was so interesting but the story was moving and thought provoking. I reserved it from the library and had to wait several weeks. Just returned it and it has 80 reserved on it. I’m guessing the library need to make more copies available!

piscofrisco · 30/08/2025 08:07

I loved it

MonkeyTennis34 · 29/08/2025 17:12

@ShowDownTime
Yes, and also Ruth Jones and Stephen Mangan.
It’s at Pennyhill Park which is gorgeous.
I read David Nichol’s latest book in 3 days last week and I'm currently listening to a Ruth Jones book on audible to get up to speed!
For me, Florence Knapp is the big pull.

HighLadyofTheNightCourt · 29/08/2025 10:52

Such a brilliant book. I cried my eyes out when I finished.
The best book I’ve read this year.

ShowDownTime · 29/08/2025 10:18

MonkeyTennis34 · 27/08/2025 07:43

We’ve just sighed up to a book event where Florence Knapp will be speaking.
Very, very excited.

Is it the event with David Nichols? I saw that, looked like a great panel.

MonkeyTennis34 · 27/08/2025 07:43

We’ve just sighed up to a book event where Florence Knapp will be speaking.
Very, very excited.

FunnyCrabDance · 23/08/2025 23:31

Halfway through listening on audible, trying not to binge listen as its really an outstanding book and I want to saviour it 🙂

ShowDownTime · 23/08/2025 23:25

I took it on holiday with me and was glued to it. One of those books you walk round the kitchen with while half-heartedly making lunch. Very moving. Bear’s story - no spoilers - but becomes unexpected and so moving. Gordon’s story one of redemption really. Excellent writing.

Panicmode1 · 23/08/2025 20:15

Just read it in one day..loved it..so original, beautifully written and I didn't want it to end!

(I know the author, our dogs used to play together as puppies and many of the people mentioned in her acknowledgements are friends of mine. She's such a lovely person, I'm so pleased her book is doing so well).

Chocolatefreak · 20/08/2025 14:48

Yes, I really enjoyed it. One of the few new books I’ve read recently where the hype is accurate!

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 20/08/2025 14:37

I loved it. Beautiful book.

FranKubelik · 20/08/2025 10:45

silverbirchlady · 14/08/2025 18:56

And I believe that's the same vet who she eventually connects with!! It's such a beautiful book . I read it in one day and and now feel bereft !!

I missed that (about the vet).Really enjoyed the book and Dervla Kirwan was the perfect narrator. I thought the depiction of the impact of DV felt very authentic. The epilogue really moved me.

silverbirchlady · 14/08/2025 18:56

And I believe that's the same vet who she eventually connects with!! It's such a beautiful book . I read it in one day and and now feel bereft !!

GlobalCitz · 08/08/2025 19:42

MonkeyTennis34 · 07/08/2025 09:28

This is exactly how I felt.
I listened to it on audible with Dervla Kirwan narrating with her beautiful Irish accent.

Show quote history

Same! It's beautifully narrated, isn't it?

BetweenTwoFerns · 07/08/2025 09:30

CorporaINobbyNobbs · 06/08/2025 01:12

Just finished this and Gordon is allergic to wasp stings - there’s a reference to him near it dying from one as a kid but the dad administering Adrenalin and saving him.

Julian is never mentioned as being stung but presumably he is also allergic

Show quote history

Yes exactly. His dad gave him an EpiPen when he was a young child.

I absolutely loved it. Especially how she couldn’t bond with him because of his name and how much that affected him.

MonkeyTennis34 · 07/08/2025 09:28

GlobalCitz · 30/07/2025 17:01

I'm halfway through and I'm enjoying it so much that I really don't want it to end.

This is exactly how I felt.
I listened to it on audible with Dervla Kirwan narrating with her beautiful Irish accent.

mugglewump · 06/08/2025 16:38

We've got it as our next book group book! So far I've only downloaded a sample and have it on order from the library.

slet · 06/08/2025 15:54

Loved this book, it made me cry so many times.

when Cora went to the vets when she discovered the letter- the kindness of the vet just made me sob!

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