Adams Free Library September Book Discussion – The Names by Florence Kanpp

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?

When we face first meet Cora, she’s registering the birth of her son. Cora has to decide if he’ll be Bear, Julian or Gordon? Cora’s abusive husband, Gordon, is insistent he’s given his name; Cora wants her son to be able to form his own

insistent he’s given his name; Cora wants her son to be able to form his own identity as Julian, whilst Cora’s daughter wants to name him bear (soft and cuddly but strong and brave too).

From then on, the story splits into three parts and every seven years we see how Bear, Julian and Gordon are living.

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