What's in a Name? Volume 1

by Sally Cronin

There are names that have been passed down through thousands of years which have powerful and deep-rooted meaning to their bearers. Other names have been adopted from other languages, cultures and from the big screen. They all have one thing in common. They are with us from birth until the grave and they are how we are known to everyone that we meet.


There are classical names such as Adam, David and Sarah that will grace millions of babies in the future. There are also names that parents have invented or borrowed from places or events in their lives which may last just one lifetime or may become the classic names of tomorrow.
Whatever the name however, there is always a story behind it. In What's in a Name - Volume One, twenty men and women face danger, love, loss, romance, fear, revenge and rebirth as they move through their lives.


Anne changes her name because of associations with her childhood, Brian carries the mark of ancient man, Jane discovers that her life is about to take a very different direction, and what is Isobel's secret?

Genres: Short Stories

ebook

Published March 3, 2017

About the author

Sally Cronin is the author of eighteen books including her memoir Size Matters: Especially when you weigh 330lb first published in 2001 which followed her weight loss of 150lbs and the programme she designed to achieve a healthy weight and regain her health. A programme she shared with her clients over her 26 year career as a nutritional therapist and on her blog. This has been followed by another seventeen books both fiction and non-fiction including multi-genre collections of short stories and poetry.

Her latest book Size Always Matters is an extended and updated version of her original book Size Matters and now includes the nutritional element to weight loss and some recipes with ingredients that provide the nutrients necessary for healthy weight loss and continued good health.

As an author she understands how important it is to have support in marketing books and offers a number of FREE promotional opportunities in the Café and Bookstore on her blog and across her social media.

After leading a nomadic existence exploring the world, she now lives with her husband on the coast of Southern Ireland enjoying the seasonal fluctuations in the temperature of the rain.

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many topics that will draw my attention to a book. In Sally Cronin's collection 'What's in a name?' I found a whole bunch that piqued my curiosity: short stories, genealogy, and how first names are chosen. On top of that, it's the first volume in this series, which means I have another to read soon. Now this made my weekend!

Cronin shares ~20 short stories covering the letters A through J in volume one. She lists a male and a female name for each letter, then contributes a story ranging from five to ten pages each. Short, but not simple, and I mean that in a good way. Cronin packs an immense amount into each brief tale... whether it's personality traits, complex plots, or comparisons between two people over different periods of time, I found everything from nuggets of glory to hilarious banter.

One of my favorite aspects of this work was the varying time frames, locations, and genres of each short story. Cronin deals with normal life events, everything from death to pregnancy, marriage to sickness. How she manages to pack such a punch with so many characters in so few pages is astonishing! I kinda want a sequel to cover what ends up happening to many of the people we've met.

If you're looking for something fun, clever, and easy-to-digest in short samples, this is definitely for you. I recommend it for those interested in learning about how personalities sometime echo the name chosen for an individual... and perhaps vice versa. Kudos to the author for finding a new fan... and I'll be reading volume two next month, so be prepared!

[M.J. Mallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story collection. it's different from others taking a person's name as the starting point for creating a story. There is a wide range of variety in this collection but all share one thing in common: these are about life, love and humanity. The range of topics in the stories will appeal to all from amusing, sad, emotional to happy stories. There is even a story about a nun, Celia, leaving her calling which remained with me a long time after reading. The twists at the end of the stories were entertaining too, especially loved the one in 'George!' and 'Isobel.'

Another favourite of mine was 'Clive,' about a boy taking a walk in the tropics and walking into a whole lot of trouble - the little 'un meets a cobra! But, the moment when the boy and cobra look into each others' eyes is just priceless. Loved it. Cobras are not that uncommon a sight in the tropics, my mum's step mum came face-to-face with one too! And, in 'Eric,' you'll smile at the tale of a widower who learns to live again through his cat, Doris. in 'Grace,' the moving yarn of a young girl in an orphanage ticked all the boxes for me. And the tale of the drunk driver and 'Hannah,' was fantastic.

Highly recommended to short story enthusiasts and to all who enjoy well written tales.

[Annika Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shakespeare said it so well, didn’t he? Or did he?

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”

Even as a sixteen-year-old studying ‘Romeo and Juliet’ I had quibbles with this assertion. Although I understood the particular references for this play, I felt, and still do, that our given names carry a certain ponderance. With our names we have a responsibility to our forefathers, to ourselves. Behind each there is a story.

With these thoughts swirling in my mind, I approached Sally Cronin’s book with deep interest. I couldn’t wait to read it. In these fictional short stories she explores the lives of twenty named individuals. This first volume which I’m reviewing here included names from ‘A’ to ‘J’. I was enthralled by the concept of the book, the names in alphabetical order, male and female.
It’s been a while since I read a book of short stories and often I find that my brain needs to change gear, to adapt to the different mode of storytelling.

With ‘What’s in a Name?’ I did not need to make any such adjustments. I slipped seamlessly into the book and once I started I couldn’t stop! Each separate story pulling me into the next.

Each is centred around one person. This is all the stories have in common. The themes vary from gentle reunions, relationships which have gone awry whether in friendships, marriage, siblings or between parent and child, from war to a violent abusive marriage. The versatility of subject matter is astonishing.

Equally wide-ranging are the various time eras, often spanning thirty or more years seamlessly within the stories. In one the gap is from the very beginning of humans to modern-day as early man Brynyar is reflected later in the story in modern-day ‘Brian’.

Throughout, Sally captures the reader’s attention from the very first sentence, immediately transporting the reader to the setting. I found myself immersed, the tiniest of detail settling me into the story. Furthermore, and I’m not sure how she does it, Sally sketches such an intimate picture of the characters I felt they were my friends, neighbours. I fell for them, some I adored, a couple rightly angered me and I cheered as one was arrested. The stories never felt rushed, the writing flowing with ease and complete on their own. More than a few times however I longed to read more about their lives, to stay with the characters longer and I could easily imagine a novel from some of them.

Throughout, Sally writes in the third person but at no stage does this create a sense of distance, rather the close portrayals of every day people come powerfully across. Effortlessly she explores people in all stages of life. A few stories feature children and ‘Grace’ had me tear-eyed as the five-year-old girl struggled with loneliness in the orphanage once her best friend was adopted. Could Father Christmas make all the difference?

All the endings are wonderfully surprising, with delightfully unexpected twists. Some were brilliantly audacious, where else would one find an assassin featuring alongside stories including a ballerina and a tortoise? Some stories left me chuckling, others were heartbreakingly sad about loss, and others about fateful revenge.

‘What’s in a Name?’ is a highly rewarding and engaging read which I completed in over two afternoons. It’s a book I highly recommend and I’m sure you will come away answering the question in the title of the book with a resounding ‘Everything is in a Name!”

Although I was sad to finish this first volume, I’m looking forward to reading Volume 2 of ‘What’s in a Name?’ which is already on my Kindle!

[Robbie Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s in a name? is a collection of short stories, each about a different person with a name starting with a specific letter of the alphabet. This first book of two covers the letters A to J with each letter having two stories, one about a male character and one about a female character. The stories are all different and unique and Sally writes in the most beautiful and fluid manner so that you feel completely absorbed by the specific character and the life situation they are dealing with. I read some of the stories to my sons, Gregory and Michael, but others I read to myself as they were a bit adult in content for Michael, who is only eleven years old.

Two of my favourite stories in this collection are as follows:
1.Grace – A heart warming story about a five year old orphan who has lived in an orphanage all her life. Grace has had a companion and best friend, Hope, ever since she can remember and together they are able to face the rigid and strict life in the orphanage. The girls are not mistreated in any way but they rely on each other for love and support in a situation where they have no families of their own. Grace is heart broken when Hope is adopted and goes away to live with her new family. What will happen to Grace and Hope now?
2.Celia – This is a tale about a woman who has spent the last twenty years of her life in a convent. Her life has been very austere but she has been happy until now. Celia is named after her grandmother’s much loved older sister who had lived in this same convent for sixty years after entering the order at the age of fourteen years old. Her namesake had become the Mother Superior of the convent and had been happy and fulfilled in her chosen life. What about Celia though? She wants to leave the convent and strike out on her own again but after twenty years but can she find the strength do it? Who will she turn too?

[Janice Spina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful and Eclectic Collection!

What's in a Name is a lovely collection of short stories, the names of each of the stories are men or women's names. The protagonists of these stories are dealing with problems in love, death, loss, or some type of struggle in life.


The author is a consummate storyteller and knows how to weave a fascinating tale. The stories were touching and thought provoking. Each story held me spellbound and finished with a twist. A thoroughly enjoyable read that I highly recommend to all lovers of short stories.

[Darlene Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome collection of short stories based on the names of the main characters. We don't normally choose our own names, but they tend to define us. Names like Jana, Zoe, Hector, Hannah, Emma, Lily, Isobel, Fionnuala and many more, each have a story to tell. Some happy, some sad, some bittersweet, and some heartbreaking. F. Scott Fitzgerald said, "Find your key emotion, this may be all you need know to find your short story." Ms Cronin has certainly found the key emotion in each story in this enjoyable book.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was enthralled as soon as I began the first story in Cronin's short story collection. The author has a way of writing that invites you in with a cozy cup of tea and a biscuit, and then she weaves her tales about each person so succinctly, yet so elaborately at the same time, that by the end of the story, you don’t want to let go of that name. Of that character. Clever idea – to write a story for a person with a name. Think about it – what’s in YOUR name?

[Staci Troilo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would a Rose by Any Other Name Smell as Sweet?

I’m the first to admit, names fascinate me. Historically, they were said to be powerful in the mystical sense. I have no idea whether that’s true, but I know being able to give any problem a name is the first step to solving it, and there’s great power in that.

A woman has roughly nine months to come up with a name for the child(ren) she carries, yet mine didn’t have names when they were born. Or two days later. I needed to look at them and meet them and get to know them before I could decide what name would define them forever.

That’s why I couldn’t wait to read this collection by Sally Cronin. It’s so easy to forget a name upon the occasion of an introduction, but names are so much more than a way to distinguish one person from another. The author explores the power of names in the stories she writes. We don’t get a lesson in etymology, but we do get an excellent sense of what these names once signified.

It was a fascinating take on the topic and a fast and fun read.

[Paul Andruss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always feel sad reaching the end of a Sally Cronin book.

It is not simply because it feels a chapter of my life has closed.

Nor because I will no longer be dragged along, a willing, nay eager, voyeur into the lives of people I have just met, but feel I have known for years. People who I am convinced will go on to live happy lives off the page, but who I will never see again; although I will think of them often.

Neither is it because I have not laughed hard enough or had my eyes mist over more than once and had to sternly tell myself: Get a grip you old fool. It’s only a story. A story it might be, but only a heart of stone could remain unmoved by Sally Cronin’s prose: even a heart of ice would melt.

It’s none of the above. Quite simply, when I finish a Sally Cronin book I really miss my mum who died some 20 odd years ago. Yes I know, even though they are gone they are with us. But truth be told, I no longer think of her enough.

If she were alive, knowing how much she would love What’s in a Name? I would jump in the car and take it down to her, like I used to. Although these days I would probably email it for her to download into her e-reader or tablet, or whatever it is the old folks do these days.

And I would look forward to her out-of-the-blue phone calls. Well, not really out-of-the-blue. Actually I would more surprised if she didn’t ring. We would discuss each point, nattering on about the twists and the turns: how we never saw that coming; exulting in the triumphs of our new mutual friends and crowing when those who’d dun ’em wrong got their comeuppance.

From there I start thinking about my Nan, aunts and cousins, how this circle of sisters and daughters would have enjoyed passing Sally Cronin books back and forth with a buzz with excitement and aglow with pleasure.

That’s all gone now.

My mum was a frustrated author. She wanted to write but didn’t know where to start. For this reason she would have loved Sally Cronin, whose writing looks so effortless: with her beautifully constructed stories and engaging characters.

By making it look easy, Sally Cronin empowers budding authors. They think- I can do that. Little realising how hard it is it to make your work look natural. By the time they do, it’s too late. They have either given up or are already hooked.

The short story is a subtler art form than the novel. It is a single idea ending in a killer punchline that flows seamlessly without clutter, waste or doubt. Every word of every sentence must contribute to the story or be ruthlessly stripped out. And this is where Sally Cronin excels. She can paint an entire scene in a handful of words and conjure any emotion with a well-turned phrase. In short she is both a delight for the reader and an object lesson for the writer.

So what can I say about the latest book I read: What’s in a Name? (Vol 1)

The answer has to be nothing at all.

How can I deny you the same immense pleasure I had discovering it for myself. In all conscience I could not do that to anyone.

But as you have been so patient and deserve some crumbs, how about a game?

In What’s In a Name? (Vol 1) you will find:

A bride of Christ in the autumn of her life
A man saved as a child dedicated to saving others
A garden reminiscent of another magical place
That we all need someone special
An un-cowed wife
A mid-life crisis
An ancient heritage living on
How to handle a bully
A special letter
A randy old fellah
Twin souls torn apart
An old hand at being a new mum
Revenge is a dish served cold
A mother and daughter act
A hero by any other name
A hard-hearted mother
A quiet woman’s secret
A man waiting for his long lost love
The helpful neighbour’s terrible burden

All you do is put the name to the clue.

So, I hear you ask, What’s the prize?

Hey, you read the book.

Can you think of a better prize than that?

[Paul Andruss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always feel sad reaching the end of a Sally Cronin book.

It is not simply because it feels a chapter of my life has closed.

Nor because I will no longer be dragged along, a willing, nay eager, voyeur into the lives of people I have just met, but feel I have known for years. People who I am convinced will go on to live happy lives off the page, but who I will never see again; although I will think of them often.

Neither is it because I have not laughed hard enough or had my eyes mist over more than once and had to sternly tell myself: Get a grip you old fool. It’s only a story. A story it might be, but only a heart of stone could remain unmoved by Sally Cronin’s prose: even a heart of ice would melt.

It’s none of the above. Quite simply, when I finish a Sally Cronin book I really miss my mum who died some 20 odd years ago. Yes I know, even though they are gone they are with us. But truth be told, I no longer think of her enough.

If she were alive, knowing how much she would love What’s in a Name? I would jump in the car and take it down to her, like I used to. Although these days I would probably email it for her to download into her e-reader or tablet, or whatever it is the old folks do these days.

And I would look forward to her out-of-the-blue phone calls. Well, not really out-of-the-blue. Actually I would more surprised if she didn’t ring. We would discuss each point, nattering on about the twists and the turns: how we never saw that coming; exulting in the triumphs of our new mutual friends and crowing when those who’d dun ’em wrong got their comeuppance.

From there I start thinking about my Nan, aunts and cousins, how this circle of sisters and daughters would have enjoyed passing Sally Cronin books back and forth with a buzz with excitement and aglow with pleasure.

That’s all gone now.

My mum was a frustrated author. She wanted to write but didn’t know where to start. For this reason she would have loved Sally Cronin, whose writing looks so effortless: with her beautifully constructed stories and engaging characters.

By making it look easy, Sally Cronin empowers budding authors. They think- I can do that. Little realising how hard it is it to make your work look natural. By the time they do, it’s too late. They have either given up or are already hooked.

The short story is a subtler art form than the novel. It is a single idea ending in a killer punchline that flows seamlessly without clutter, waste or doubt. Every word of every sentence must contribute to the story or be ruthlessly stripped out. And this is where Sally Cronin excels. She can paint an entire scene in a handful of words and conjure any emotion with a well-turned phrase. In short she is both a delight for the reader and an object lesson for the writer.

So what can I say about the latest book I read: What’s in a Name? (Vol 1)

The answer has to be nothing at all.

How can I deny you the same immense pleasure I had discovering it for myself. In all conscience I could not do that to anyone.

But as you have been so patient and deserve some crumbs, how about a game?

In What’s In a Name? (Vol 1) you will find:

A bride of Christ in the autumn of her life
A man saved as a child dedicated to saving others
A garden reminiscent of another magical place
That we all need someone special
An un-cowed wife
A mid-life crisis
An ancient heritage living on
How to handle a bully
A special letter
A randy old fellah
Twin souls torn apart
An old hand at being a new mum
Revenge is a dish served cold
A mother and daughter act
A hero by any other name
A hard-hearted mother
A quiet woman’s secret
A man waiting for his long lost love
The helpful neighbour’s terrible burden

All you do is put the name to the clue.

So, I hear you ask, What’s the prize?

Hey, you read the book.

Can you think of a better prize than that?

[Colleen Chesebro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love short story collections. There is something about the brevity of words that appeals to my senses, especially when there is a theme that we all can relate to. Think about it. We all have a name, but many of us have no idea why our parents chose that name or the possible stories behind that name.

Sally Cronin tackles this naming issue. In "What's in a Name," each chapter is titled by the name of its main character, leading the reader on a journey of discovery. Every name has a tale to tell, and under the brilliant creativity of this author, each name takes on a personality of its own. 

My favorite story was that of "Diana," a kind woman who choose a husband that proved to be a scoundrel in every sense of the word. With a little help from her family, Diana reaches into her heart and finds the courage to stand up to her husband's abuse. The pacing of this story is marvelous and carries the reader to a satisfying end. 

This compilation of stories covers a wide range of genres. There is something here for everyone. I read these stories a few at a time, savoring the emotions the stories evoked within me. This was my first read by this author, and I look forward to more of her writing. I was thrilled to find that the second volume of "What's in a Name ~ Tales of Life & Romance," had already been written. Needless to say, I've already purchased my copy. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of "What's in a Name, Volume I," as a gift from the author. 

MY RATING:
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars

[Balroop Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘What’s In A Name’ by Sally Cronin is a collection of twenty short stories, each story inspired from real life and emotions that every individual has to live through. Whether it is the bond between a mother and a daughter or the faith that kept Celia away from her sister for twenty years to tread the path she had chosen for herself, to honor the name of her grandmother, Sally’s characters seem realistic and warmhearted. Diana’s pain would percolate deep down into every nerve and sinew of readers whereas Jane’s unplanned surprise for her sons would stump!

Sally's stories have an inimitable style, are really short and engrossing. Most of the stories flow like a cascading stream down the mountain and if you are a little distracted, the words bounce by like the twirling water. Breathing positivity and love, Eric and Grace, two of my favorite characters would tug at the strings of your heart. This book revived my love for short stories.

[Natalie Ducey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s in a Name by Sally Cronin is an absolute gem of a book. Cronin is a gifted storyteller, and readers are sure to be moved and intrigued by this collection that was inspired by real-life occurrences. These are stories that will move you and stay with you long after you finish. I read through this collection in one day and have revisited it many times since. A book so enticing is a true testament to the skill of an author. To keep a book near, allowing one to relish in the many emotions it is sure to evoke, ultimately speaks to the treasures held within.

The characters come to life, and it’s impossible not to think of similar people we have met along our own journeys. I laughed and cried, found solace in heartfelt reflection.

A highly recommended read. This is a gift for the soul.

[Victoria Zigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm fascinated by the meanings of names, as well as the concious and subconcious associations we atatch to them, so I love the whole idea behind this book. I liked some of the stories more than others, but they were an enjoyable collection of stories in general, and all well-written.

*NOTE: I was given a free copy of this book by the author. This has in no way influenced my opinion of the book, nor the contents of my review.

[Linda Bethea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gobbled Up My Sunday

I rushed to buy this as soon as I saw it was released. I have read and loved Sally's books before and this one did not disappoint. Read it through in one sitting. I loved the crooks and twists. The characterizations are wonderful. Do yourself a favor and grab this one, but I doubt you'll get much done once you start!

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of short stories covering 20 people and their lives. In a short story Sally conveys such emotion that you don't want each story to end. I look forward to part two!

[Sandra Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with fascinating short stories, each one based around the named character of the book. Each story is different and might revolve around a child, an adult--young to old--or even a ghost. What they all have in common is the emotion they bring to the story. The scenery is detailed and pulls you into the location. And the characters are relatable. I enjoyed these stories and think you will too. So grab a cup of coffee or tea, put your feet up, relax and sink into these stories.

[Luanne Castle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only just realized that I never reviewed this book when I read it a few years ago. I no longer can write a detailed review, unfortunately, but I remember loving the collection.

[Deborah Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little slices of history (x2 generations approximately), but it's so hard not to give spoilers when these anecdotes, family stories, and clips of emotion make you cry tears of happiness and sadness, literally only pages apart.

What's in a name? Everything ... your identity, your life, your dreams, desires, failures and triumphs. It's all that you are or could have been. It's inspirational, deep in meaning, and relates to every heart, life, and soul.

I took notes in the book, meaning to share, but reading it unawares is the only way to shed the light of day ... or night on an epiphany of release, glory with each story, mind tingling and bell ringing. All I can strive to thrive in this heartfelt book is felt in but two teasers...Annie and Clive, mere drops of expression, packed with life's lessons. That's the reason to keep this unusual genre alive!

Congrats and sincere thanks to Sally Cronin ... a masterpiece.

[Cathleen Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s in a name? Everything. As someone who has gone through the entire official argy-bargy to get my name legally changed, I appreciate the power behind the monikers we bear. Sally Cronin obviously shares this sensibility because this short story collection focuses on the unique power our names have to shape our lives.

Sometimes even a small change can be significant, as the first story, titled “Anne,” demonstrates so well. Just a small shift–to Annie–had great meaning to the woman who bore it. It shaped her entire sense of self, and went on to have meaning in her extended family as well.

Each tale has a given name as a significant factor. The names we bear become the basis of our own stories, as well as the foundation for the tales in this book.

Besides “Anne,” my favorites were “Celia,” “David,” and “George.” But give this book a read, and you’ll find favorites of your own.

[D.G. Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Cronin has an uncanny knack for pulling in her readers with her heartfelt short stories and often unpredictable endings.

Each one of these stories takes us in to some history of the characters and how their names were derived, and consequently, how their names affected or complemented their lives.

Names have meanings for the people who have chosen them, but sometimes, the people given those names aren't always happy with their name.

I highly recommend this wonderful book of sensitive and intriguing stories by this wonderful author.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve long been a fan of Sally Cronin’s wonderful blog, Smorgasbord, and was excited to read her books. What’s in A Name, much like the author, is filled with stories to inspire, make us think, and for me, shows the fundamental strength and support of family.

Each story in this anthology stands on its own merits. Some are sweet, others sad, and some, like Clive, deeply touched my heart.

Life can take many twists and turns, no matter where you live, but we all share a common thread- Love.

I give What’s in A Name 5 lovely kisses- It’s like a cozy blanket for your heart!

[Marina Osipova · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories that can stop your heart in its tracks. I cannot say which of them are my favorites – all touched me deeply. I am greatly thankful to the author for the emotions her characters’ stories evoke, and they will stay with me for a long, long time.

[Allan Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific collection of short stories. Sally is a talented story teller and I'm glad I read this novel. If you like short, entertaining stories, get this book.

[Gwendolyn Plano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cronin is a masterful storyteller. She transforms everyday circumstances into a beautiful portrait. This collection is a perfect example of her talent. Each of the twenty stories in What’s In A Name focuses on a particular name through which a story is birthed. Two names especially grabbed my attention: Brian and David – my sons' names. I loved the strength and tenderness in either story and reflected on those qualities in my sons. It was an emotional read, full of memories evoked by Cronin’s stories. I look forward to reading Volume 2. Bravo!

[Norah Colvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting, and often intriguing, collection of short stories in a range of genres, each about a character with a name starting with a letter from A to J. There will be something in the collection for readers of almost every genre.

[Heidi Honey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unexpected stories of intrigue!

Not what I expected, but an anthology of interesting characters with surprising endings!
A unique way to share other people's lives.

[Jemima Pett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of twenty short stories, many of flash fiction length, I felt, without resorting to a wordcount. Each focuses on a name, and the meaning or connotations of that name affect the person and the plot. I recognised some, but not most. The stories are many and varied, and often have a shocking, or disorientating twist right at the end. Very clever!