Rhonda’s Reviews > The Names > Status Update

“The boy did indeed overthrow his father.” As much as I thought it was so heavy handed when Maya first saw the artwork depiction and explicitly said to Gordon, is it like you and dad? It was really satisfying to see Gordon support his mom so well, with the video proof, and to help her escape to safety. And to go seek out the painting.

Cora to be with Felix. Made me emotional, finally she can have love for herself.

The bee sting is becoming cliche. Ann Pachett had a story like this as well. It’s terrible. I don’t see why this had to happen. When the family has already been affected by DV/death, and a mass shooting. Like at some point, okay. Enough.

Because I love you. And I want to know your people. - Kate to Maya. Unconditional

Orla’s kindness, blind faith in who Julian is. Not concerned about his family genetics (his father’s genes).

Bear asks Cian to make him a ring for Lily. It’s sad that they can’t have the connection they do in Julian’s life. But a lovely detail and connection nonetheless.

Julian’s life is so much sadder. 😢

Sad that Maya is on her dad’s side (!) once Della calls from the woman’s shelter. But also satisfying to hear her realizing that she’s denying the facts of her life: her personal relationship and also her mom’s (and Maya’s and Gordon Jr.’s) unsafe life.

How is Cora still with Gordon at age 51 😢😢😢 She talked about doing this until Gordon Jr. was 18.

But the pain and worry of that, and Gordon basically holding her hostage, makes the moment when she goes to the Veterinarian’s office SO satisfying.

“Maybe freedom is just about choosing the life you want” - rather than having an adventure and being free

My concern is how Cora says “the children are cared for” in the sense of they are clean, well-fed and do activities. But they are not cared for emotionally and neither is she and it’s too hard to see Cora putting that off until Gordon is 18. Worth the risk of fighting her husband’s gaslighting (that she is unfit) and losing her children?