The Names : ‘The best debut novel in years’ Sunday Times -Summer Reading List -2026!

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THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

WINNER OF THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS DEBUT NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2026

A BOOK OF THE YEAR IN THE SUNDAY TIMES, GUARDIAN and INDEPENDENT

A Story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark.
‘Wildly original and emotionally profound’ Observer

‘An unadulterated success: moving, evocative and utterly convincing’ The Times

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.

‘The viral literary hit’ Grazia

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’ Jenna Bush Hager ‘Heart-breaking and yet brimming with hope . . . .