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“Dazzling. . . The Names is startlingly joyful. . . 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 "Book of the Week"

“A magnificent novel, thrumming with life in all its pain and precariousness, yet suffused with the glorious possibilities of love and redemption.” —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.

About the Author

Florence Knapp has previously written a nonfiction book about a centuries-old method of quilt making, as well as contributing to a book for the Victoria and Albert Museum. She lives just outside London with her husband and their dog. Their two children have now flown the nest. The Names is Knapp’s debut novel and will be translated into more than twenty languages.

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We are a general trade bookstore with new, used and rare books for sale. City Lights is located at the corner of Spring and Jackson Streets in Sylva, North Carolina, a small Main Street town nestled in the heart of the southern Appalachian Mountains. We share the literature of the region with the world and the world of good books with our community. Open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 24/7/365 at CityLightsNC.com

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Spring Street, Inc.
3 East Jackson Street, Sylva, NC, 28779, U.S.A.

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Prices are in U.S. dollars. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express credit cards plus PayPal, money orders or checks in U.S. funds. Libraries invoiced with purchase order. North Carolina residents please add 6.75% sales tax or provide a resale tax number. Expedited and international shipping charges will be quoted with confirmation of order. Returns accepted (with prior notification) within 30 days of receipt if not as described. Digital photo available of any book cover, simpl...

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Shipping via U.S. Postal Service's Media Mail is $3.50 for first book, 50� each additional book. First Class Mail is $8.00 for most regular sized books (more for larger &/or additional books). Add 75� for each additional book.

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First item	� 17.94	� 25.63

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