Florence Knapp: The Names

When

Duration

Location

Ross Family Studio

Glasshouse Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast Co-operative Library Service present:

Florence Knapp: The Names

Can a name change the trajectory of a life?

Instant bestseller and “best debut novel in years” (The Sunday Times) starts in a literal and metaphorical storm.

While registering her son’s birth, Cora faces a decision that could change his life: what will she name him? Her options – Bear, Julian or Gordon – each come with their own legacies, expectations and risks. In The Names, novelist Florence Knapp tells a powerful story of darkness and hope through three vastly different versions of a boy’s life.

Explore the profound force of family with Florence, in conversation with ABC Radio National’s Claire Nichols (The Book Show).

Florence Knapp appears thanks to the support of The Salon. Presented in partnership with ABC Radio National.  

Relax, Refuel, Connect

Relax in our SWF Lounge between sessions and take the opportunity to chat and meet like-mined people. Tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages and light refreshments will be available for purchase.

Exclusive Offer

Present your Sydney Writers’ Festival ticket or VIP Festival Pass at Book Face in Port Central or Collins Booksellers Port Macquarie to receive a 10% discount* on books by featured authors in the Live & Local Program. This exclusive offer is valid from 10am Thursday 21 May to 4pm Sunday 24 May, 2026.

*Final discount and qualifying books at the discretion of Book Face and Collins Booksellers management.

Full Program Here(PDF, 3MB)  Book Day & Festival Passes Here

Part of Glasshouse SELECT 2026 Theatre Program

Part of Education @ Glasshouse 2026 Theatre Program   

Florence Knapp

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

Claire Nichols

Claire Nichols is the presenter of The Book Show, bringing you interviews with the best authors from Australia and around the world. Claire has spent more than a decade at the ABC with roles in television and radio news, current affairs, ABC Local Radio and at ABC Radio National.

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