THE NAMES PB

"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. THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 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 OVER HALF A MILLION COPIES SOLD It is 1987, and in the wake of a great storm, Cora sets out with her young daughter to register the birth of her son. Her husband expects her to follow tradition and call the baby after him - but is it right for her child to inherit his name from generations of domineering men? Her choice will shape the course of their lives. Seven years later, her son is Bear, a name chosen by his sister, hoping he will grow up to be brave and big-hearted. Or he is Julian, the name his mother set her heart on, keen for 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. A BOOK OF THE YEAR IN THE SUNDAY TIMES, GUARDIAN, INDEPENDENT, IRISH MAIL ON SUNDAY, COSMOPOLITAN AND MANY MORE A READ WITH JENNA AND HAPPY PLACE BOOKCLUB PICK The viral literary hit Grazia A beautiful, heartwrenching, utterly original novel Miranda Cowley Heller 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 Pandora Sykes A modern classic