Florence Knapp

The extraordinary novel that asks: Can a name change the course of a life?

In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register her son’s birth. Her husband, Gordon, a local doctor, respected in the community but a terrifying and controlling presence at home, intends for her to name the infant after him. But when the registrar asks what she’d like to call the child, Cora hesitates…
Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of Cora’s and her young son’s lives, shaped by her choice of name. In richly layered prose, The Names explores the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities of autonomy and healing.
 
With exceptional sensitivity and depth, Knapp draws us into the story of one family, told through a prism of what-ifs, causing us to consider the “one . . . precious life” we are given. The book’s brilliantly imaginative structure, propulsive storytelling, and emotional, gut-wrenching power are certain to make The Names a modern classic.

The Names

THE YEAR'S BREAKOUT NOVEL AND WORD-OF-MOUTH HIT—A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND READ WITH JENNA PICK “Dazzling. . . Knapp tirelessly and beautifully replicates not just loss and grief but endless rebirth and delight.” —The Washington Post “Elegant. . . this is a wholly original work.” —People Magazine “A magnificent novel.” —Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Horse The extraordinary novel that asks: Can a name change the course of a life? In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register her son's birth. Her husband, Gordon, a local doctor, respected in the community but a terrifying and controlling presence at home, intends for her to name the infant after him. But when the registrar asks what she'd like to call the child, Cora hesitates... Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of Cora's and her young son's lives, shaped by her choice of name. In richly layered prose, The Names explores the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities of autonomy and healing. With exceptional sensitivity and depth, Knapp draws us into the story of one family, told through a prism of what-ifs, causing us to consider the "one . . . precious life" we are given. The book’s brilliantly imaginative structure, propulsive storytelling, and emotional, gut-wrenching power are certain to make The Names a modern classic. LONGLISTED FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL

A Novel

The Names: A Read with Jenna Pick

¿Puede un nombre cambiar el destino de una vida? Bear. Julian. Gordon. Tres versiones de una vida Aclamada como «la mejor ópera prima que se ha publicado en años» por The Sunday Times y traducida a más de veinticinco idiomas, Los nombres es una novela sorprendente que atrapa desde la primera página. Con una historia tan original como emotiva, Florence Knapp nos invita a seguir tres vidas posibles que nacen de una sola decisión: cómo llamar a un hijo. Un viaje inolvidable sobre identidad, destino y el poder invisible de las pequeñas elecciones que marcan toda una vida. Estamos en 1987. Tras una gran tempestad, Cora sale con su niña de nueve años para registrar el nacimiento de su hijo. Su marido insiste en mantener la tradición familiar y que el bebé lleve su nombre. Pero Cora duda. Ir en contra de su voluntad podría ser peligroso, y sin embargo, ¿debe el pequeño heredar el nombre de generaciones de hombres dominantes? La elección que haga en ese momento marcará el rumbo de sus vidas. Siete años después, el niño es Bear, un nombre escogido por su hermana y tan inesperado como la tormenta de la que surgió. O es Julian, el nombre que su madre le dio, convencida de que le permitiría forjar su propio camino. O es Gordon, como su padre, criado a su imagen y semejanza... aunque quizá todavía haya una posibilidad de romper ese molde. Ésta es la historia de tres nombres, tres versiones de una vida, y las infinitas posibilidades que una sola decisión puede desencadenar. Es la historia de una familia, y de cómo el amor resiste y perdura entre sus miembros, sin importar lo que el destino les depare. ENGLISH DESCRIPTION "The Names is a truly gorgeous, heart-opening novel. I couldn't put it down, and I'm grateful to have Cora and her children living inside my heart now. What a wonderful book!" --Ann Napolitano, New York Times bestselling author of Hello Beautiful "Magnificent. A stunning, hopeful, bitterly beautiful novel....Read it. It's very special."--Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author of All the Colors of the Dark The extraordinary novel that asks: Can a name change the course of a life? In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register her son's birth. Her husband, Gordon, a local doctor, respected in the community but a terrifying and controlling presence at home, intends for her to name the infant after him. But when the registrar asks what she'd like to call the child, Cora hesitates... Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of Cora's and her young son's lives, shaped by her choice of name. In richly layered prose, The Names explores the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities of autonomy and healing. With exceptional sensitivity and depth, Knapp draws us into the story of one family, told through a prism of what-ifs, causing us to consider the "one . . . precious life" we are given. The book's brilliantly imaginative structure, propulsive storytelling, and emotional, gut-wrenching power are certain to make The Names a modern classic.

Los Nombres / the Names

In a sea of quilting project books, Flossie Teacakes' Guide to English Paper Piecing stands alone. Drawing together many disparate strands, this comprehensive guide offers up a deeper exploration of this precision patchwork craft, providing everything quilters need to know on a practical level to begin navigating fussy cutting and English paper-piecing (EPP). - The most comprehensive guide to English paper piecing on the market today, including history of the craft, artist profiles, and more! - Patterns for original rosettes on which to learn the practicalities of EPP are shown step-by-step, covering everything from templates, paper choice, magic mirrors, how to mock up layouts, glue/thread basting, and more. - Finished examples exemplifying mastery of the skills learned in the book & unique secondary designs within the quilts that demonstrate the fussy cut and rosette piecing techniques. Flossie Teacakes' Guide to English Paper Piecing is not just a how-to text on English paper piecing. While any book on English paper piecing must cover the instructional aspects, Flossie Teacakes offers a softer, warmer approach, exploring the craft on a more tactile paper-and-fabric level and including stories and inspirations this wonderful craft. Author Florence Knapp explores of the craft over a series of interviews and a journey back in time. She captures the elements that make it so much more than a simple technique guide, giving meaning to the act of English paper piecing for those who are intrigued as well as to quilters who are already hooked. As if that isn't enough, there's icing on the teacakes in the form of original paper-pieced rosettes and show stopping quilt patterns included to practice and show off your EPP skills.

Florence Knapp

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