Camo Wife Chronicles

I’m finally getting around to reading again after finding a bit of a rhythm with solo parenting. Once I’d caught up on the romantasy series I abandoned after giving birth, The Names was first on my reading list – fully aware I’m late to the party.

The concept sparked my interest immediately: does our name have an impact on who we become?

We meet Cora in October 1987, the day she’s meant to register the birth of her son. A moment that should be joyful is instead paralysing. Her abusive husband, Gordon, insists on naming their son after himself, continuing a family tradition. Her nine‑year‑old daughter, Maia, adores the name Bear — soft and cuddly, yet brave and strong. And Cora? She longs to call him Julian, “sky father”, a name that might give him the freedom to form his own identity.

From there, the book splits into three storylines: one for Bear, one for Julian, and one for Gordon. Every seven years, we drop back into their lives and see the people they’ve become. Bear, initially sheltered from the worst of his father’s cruelty, grows into a free-spirited archaeologist, travelling the world. Julian, determined to not be like his father, finds purpose in jewellery-making. Gordon, groomed and manipulated by his own father, works in finance, desperate to earn his father’s approval. We don’t just see how Cora’s choice shapes her son’s future, we see how it ripples through the entire family, altering the lives of Cora and Maia too.

At first, I assumed the book would answer the question of whether the name itself can influence a life. Instead, demonstrating how one split-second decision – Cora choosing her son’s name – can redirect the course of multiple lives. It’s the choice, and the fallout of that choice, that ultimately dictates their futures.

Although brilliant and emotionally captivating, it wasn’t a book I tore through immediately. The second half though, completely changed that. As the characters aged, they seemed to gain depth and complexity, and I found myself far more invested in their journeys.

With Cora’s abuse forming a central thread, this isn’t a light read. It shatters your heart, then stomps on the pieces. Just when you think things might be easing, another moment hits with devastating force. The book doesn’t shy away from difficult topics; it leans into them, exposing their raw, lingering impact.

The book is so well written, I couldn’t quite believe it was a debut novel. The only challenge is keeping track of the multiple storylines, especially if you’re not reading it in a couple of sittings. You might find yourself flicking back every so often to remind yourself what happened.

Overall, The Names is a powerful, beautifully crafted exploration of identity, trauma, and the weight of the choices we make.

– Your Camo Wife