The Names

Set in 1987, "The Names" centers on Cora and a pivotal moment in her life when she must decide what to name her newborn son amid family pressures and traditions. The choice she makes will shape the trajectory of her son's life, with three possible names—Bear, Julian, or Gordon—each representing a different path and identity. The novel explores themes of identity, familial expectation, and the enduring power of love. Seven years later, the story delves into how this decision echoes through their lives, reflecting the infinite possibilities born from a single moment. Praised as 'the best debut novel in years' by The Sunday Times, it is a moving and hopeful narrative about breaking molds and embracing change.