An abusive husband sends his wife and daughter to the Name Registry Office to officially name their newborn son. He tells her to name the baby after him.
The daughter, feeling overshadowed by this new creature, has her own idea for a name.
And the mother, even as frightened by her husband's rage as she is, likes a third name that has nothing to do with her husband.
What to do? And what would happen in each instance? This amazing debut novel goes down three paths to show us how this boy and his family lean into each name, and what happens is shocking and diverse. In each case, the sister is fiercely loyal to the boy, but her life trajectory is also altered depending on his name. As is their mother's.
So very original, and reading the actual book was helpful as each set of chapters, set seven years apart, keeps us in line with the relevant name at the top of each page. There are some heartbreaking scenes, and scenes of pure joy. None of the lives are in the least bit similar - this is not like twins separated at birth who both love the color green or hate broccoli. I was fascinated and hooked. Definitely one of my favorites of this year. Book Club girls - this is on the 2027 list!!! What's in a name? Three different futures for this baby, for sure!!!
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