The Names: A Read with Jenna Pick: A Novel

The novel presents a captivating exploration of storytelling and psychological insight, centred around the intriguing premise of how the names we are given at birth can significantly impact our lives. It weaves three parallel narratives, featuring characters like Cora and her son, Bear, and Julien and Gordon. The author delves into the profound connection between names and identity, relationships, and fate. I found the concept particularly compelling, as it raises questions about how a name can influence a person's life and the lives of those around them. I often reflect on my name, Anne-Marie, and its ordinary, almost overly safe quality, yet I still believe I've found the path meant for me. An enriching detail is the index of names and their meanings included at the end of the book, highlighting the significance behind each character's choice. Bear's storyline resonated with me the most, filled with warmth and emotional depth. His journey includes a touching love story with Lily, a poignant moment with a crying child on the train, and the challenge of balancing ambition with personal relationships. Julien’s narrative, while tender and steeped in sadness, offers a sense of redemption through his struggles with self-doubt and inherited trauma, ultimately leading to emotional growth. In contrast, Gordon's experience is harrowing, depicting themes of abuse and manipulation that make his storyline more challenging to digest. Ultimately, the novel poses an essential question: do our names define us, or do we have the power to shape our own stories? It suggests that the answer may blend both, making it a thought-provoking and uniquely original

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Loved the premise of this book. Felt deeply sorry for Cora and what she had to endure throughout all the stories at the hands of her husband Gordon. Its interesting how the names forged differing paths through the children's lives to adulthood. I gave it a 7 rating as for me it was a somber read overall. It would have been good to have more uplifting moments to balance the traumas. While thats not always typical of life it would have lightened the read for me.

Another propulsive and immersive read! As some of the reviewers noted - this was unputdownable - I was completely absorbed by the characters, shifting narrator voices and "what if" timelines running in parallel throughout - this book had me catching my breath, reading furiously for discovery and slowly to catch all the details - had my heart soaring, breaking, aching, and was incredibly emotive (the tears are inevitable...) - my favorite character was Julian - gentle, vulnerable and a sensitive creative - and the most surprising ending was Gordon's - incredibly humbling and a satisfying dose of redemption - so many feels...so much to sift through....

I only kept reading hoping the plot would get better. It did not. The book is very depressing and didn’t have as much meaning and deep reflection as the summary suggested.