‘I’ve Read 38 Books, but This Is My Standout Favourite’

Published: 13 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Perhaps it’s the abundance of high-quality releases this year, or maybe it’s the fact that I’ve actively deleted TikTok to reclaim my reading time, but I’ve already devoured 38 books in 2025. Yet, amid a stack of engrossing novels, memoirs, and romcoms, one has consistently stood out—and I’ve been recommending it to anyone who will listen.

I’ve explored the dizzying heights of the “romantasy” genre with Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing series, laughed at comedies such as Alison Espach’s The Wedding People and Sarah Harman’s All the Other Mothers Hate Me, and been alternately shocked and inspired by real-life accounts like World War Two secret agent Pippa Lantour’s story in The Last Secret Agent or Tara Westover’s evocative memoir, Educated. Each has left its mark, but none has lingered quite like Florence Knapp’s new novel, The Names.

Knapp, previously known for a non-fiction guide on English paper piecing, has produced a debut fiction novel that is nothing short of a revelation. The Names is poised to become a future classic, combining devastating emotional depth with a life-affirming core. It is the rare book that feels simultaneously intimate and universal, gripping in its storytelling yet generous in its insight into human life.

The novel presents a dazzlingly original twist on the “sliding doors” concept. The narrative begins on the day a mother sets out to name her baby son, and from there, it follows three parallel lives shaped entirely by the child’s given name. This exploration of how seemingly small decisions ripple through decades is both inventive and profoundly moving. Knapp’s ability to weave three distinct, fully realised storylines without losing cohesion is a testament to her skill as a storyteller.

I found myself devouring the book in two sittings during a recent holiday. While it may not fall into the category of light beach reading, The Names is compelling in a way that makes it impossible to put down. Knapp’s prose is elegant yet approachable, and her characters are deeply human—complex, flawed, and achingly relatable. It is a book that challenges you to think about the impact of choices and the invisible threads that shape our lives, while still providing a richly satisfying reading experience.

The acclaim for The Names is already evident. Debuting at number two on The Sunday Times bestseller list and holding an average rating of 4.18 on Goodreads, it has captured the attention of readers and critics alike. Its popularity is well-deserved, a rare example of a mainstream novel that lives up to the hype.

What sets Knapp’s work apart is not only her inventive structure but also her emotional precision. She balances heart-wrenching tension with moments of levity, illuminating the ways in which ordinary life can be extraordinary. It is a story about family, identity, and the profound consequences of seemingly minor choices—a novel that resonates long after the final page.

Whether you are planning a summer holiday, seeking your next weekend read, or simply hoping to lose yourself in a story that will stay with you, The Names is a book that deserves to be at the top of your list. It’s a work that confirms Florence Knapp as a writer to watch, and a debut that will linger in your mind for months, if not years.

In a year of exceptional books, The Names is the one I will return to in conversation, the one I will gift, and the one that has already earned a permanent place on my bookshelf. It is, simply put, the standout among the thirty-eight.