The next part of the book takes place seven years after the birth of Maia’s brother. The first set of chapters took place from Cora’s point of view. Based on the first chapter, do you think the rest will be from Maia’s point of view as well?
What do you think of the image created by Maia and her recollection of Bear when he was four?
After the incident in the 1987 Bear chapter, life seems very different for Cora, Maia and Bear. What do you think of these changes? What do you think of Maia’s reaction when Roland, Fern’s father, returns from his tours?
Fern makes a statement that “[m]ost dads aren’t like [Maia’s]”. Maia talks about how knowing and feeling are different. What do you think she means by this?
Cora’s way of moving through life is very different now. Before the incident, Cora moved through her day thinking of everything Gordon could need and want. Now, she moves with a different purpose. It’s clear to see that the shift was a slow one. It was almost as though Cora was constantly holding her breath. Do you think that is the same for us readers? We are holding our breath to find out what happens to Gordon.
What do you think of the difference between the young boys?
In Julian’s chapter, we learn that the family moved to Ireland. What do you think caused the move?
Julian has had to accommodate the way in which he plays with Maia due their father. What do you think of this? Do you think Maia does the same?
Maia wishes to feel a connection to her mom and continues her dance lessons. Do you think, now with a new drive, Maia might reach the lengths her mother achieved?
In the Gordon chapter, we are introduced to a completely different boy. One who would do anything please his father. What do you think of Gordon Snr. asking young Gordon about his mother?
What do you think of young Gordon making up the story about his mother?
Gordon, when given a task in class, writes down the name Luke. Why do you think he does this? What do you think of the teacher’s reaction? Could she have dealt with it differently? If so, how?
Maia takes a stand and sends her grandmother a letter. Silbhe calls Cora. What do you think of Cora’s response to this?
Cora’s mother remains persistent and even calls a police officer to the house. Do you think the officer should have been more attentive?
14 responses to “The Names – Day Two”
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When I read the Bear chapter, I thought that the rest of the chapters will be a combination of Maia and Cora’s narration (since it started with Maia and ended with Cora) until Bear grows up to give his own perspective. I liked the dual narrative. The mother and sister, the women in his life who gave him his name and let go of the past to give him a bright future… I liked seeing Bear through their eyes, and the chapter’s narrative voice seemed to be honoring them both.
I was pleasantly surprised by four year old Bear. He’s such a cheerful and sociable child, and he seems to be this ray of sunshine in Maia’s life. I like how the bond between them is so strong (kind of like he’s Maia’s baby just as much as he’s Cora’s because she gave him his name, claiming a kind of fond ownership over her brother).
I am so glad that horrid man was thrown in jail and Cora, Maia and Bear’s life changed for the better. There’s so much more love and laughter in their lives, and they have this really strong friendship with Fern’s family. I love how they’re all surrounded by love and support instead of the fear and isolation we saw in all the chapters were Gordon makes an appearance.
The poor girl has been physically and psychologically conditioned to be fearful of dads because her only exposure to dads prior to Fern’s is that they’re violent and volatile. So it’s not surprising that even years after years of not having Gordon in their lives, her mind and body are unable to feel completely safe around a paternal figure even if she knows Roland wouldn’t hurt her, her family, or his own family.
I’m holding my breath to find out what happens to Gordon junior, his mom and his sister but Gordon senior can jump off a bridge for all I care. As long as he’s in jail in Bear’s chapter, hopefully in jail for the unfortunate murder of Cora in the Julian timelines, and eventually in jail in the Gordon one, I’ll be fine. I hope this man stays as far away from his kids as possible, but judging by the 1994 Gordon chapter, I guess all I can hope for is that the poor boy realises what’s going on and joins forces with Maia to go against their dad and ensure the safety of their family.
I think the boy wants the same thing regardless of what his name is; it just manifests in different ways. We see Bear surrounded by all the love and connection to his family he could ever want; Julian desperately wanting that connection with his remaining family member but helpless to figure out how to get Maia to connect with him; and Gordon saying and doing whatever he can to be noticed for who he is and get that attention, love and connection he craves based on how he realises people are more likely to give him that attention. Because of this, it’s great to see how Bear doesn’t need to worry about love or being seen, but really sad to read about how Julian and Gordon just want to be seen and loved without the shadow of his ties to his father preventing that from happening.
Judging by the “domsatic homicide” that was briefly mentioned, that abhorrent man must have abused Cora to the point of death. We see how brutal he is in the Gordon chapter, it must have been worse in Julian’s because Gordon’s son didn’t have his name and was still in their lives (unlike with Bear).
His ways of playing with her seem more like a way to get her out of the darkness of grief. He seems to be finding ways to reconnect with her. It doesn’t seem to me like Maia plays with Julian, more like she just goes through the motions in her grief over her mom’s death, which is so heartbreaking for both of the children.
I guess she could, but I mainly think it’s about the connection to her mom than achieving the goals for her dancing that her mom couldn’t. If the goal was to perform to the same levels as her mom/ outperform her mom, she would be feeding into her father’s view of Maia’s ballet, not Maia’s own reframed view of her dancing.
It’s a typical way of exerting control over Cora, but through the kid who’s been emotionally isolated from his mom and sister by his dad. It sucks reading about how this poor child feels like his mom and sister don’t like him, and how he’s isolated from the rest of the world by his horrible father who reinforces this isolation with his questions.
It’s both infuriating and understandable. Infuriating because I hate this man with a passion for not only being horrible to his wife and controlling over his daughter, but for making Gordon junior feel like he’s only interesting and worthy of a connection to his dad if he reports on his mom’s actions and words to his dad. Which makes it understandable as to why Gordon junior feels the need to make up stories about his mom: the more wild the story, the more interested his dad is, the more attention he gets from his dad, the more he feels connected to his dad.
It was an interesting turn I wasn’t expecting, based on how “close” he seemed with his dad. With all this talk of names for him, I didn’t consider the possibility that he wouldn’t like his name and would choose one for himself. I think him wanting to choose his own name speaks a lot to his isolation. I feel like he doesn’t like the name Gordon because he could feel (without having the words to articulate what he’s feeling just yet) like it’s the reason why he’s isolated from his mom and sister. He isn’t seen for who he is, just the trouble he brings Maia and Cora at home and as the informant for his dad to inflict pain. His attempts to express himself through a different name were cut short by his environment. The teacher printing his name out for him is like his mom choosing a name we know Gordon junior doesn’t want or identify with, but the fact that it’s printed out and can’t be erased is such a reminder of the finality of his identity: the poor boy will only be seen as an extension of Gordon at home and at school rather than for who he is or has the potential to be.
That being said, the teacher’s reaction sucked. The point of the exercise was to get the kids to express themselves, not take that freedom of expression away from them. And children shouldn’t be judged based on their past actions in the classroom because they pick up on it easily (which poor Gordon already has). It takes away their potential to be anything but what they’re labelled as. She should’ve just let him do his thing or asked him why he wrote Luke instead of Gordon (approach with understanding, not frustration).Cora’s response to this is deeply saddening, but logical. I wish she didn’t have to sacrifice the psychological well-being of her kids, but being able to care for and protect them is more important to her (and we see that protection working because Gordon is oblivious and kept in the dark about the domestic violence). I just wish she could consider other options instead of going through with everything. Right now, Maia is resistant and headstrong, but she’s already witnessed so much that will stay with her forever. And when Gordon eventually realises what’s going on, I can’t imagine he wouldn’t feel unbelievably guilty when he finds out his unwitting role in his mother’s abuse. I wish she’d chosen to get help, but she’s right about Gordon having the records to argue that she’s an unfit mother so I don’t know what else she could’ve done. I just hope she doesn’t die like in the Julian timeline.
Oh he most definitely should’ve been more attentive. But this is an unfortunate reality of how domestic violence cases are handled, especially when the abuser is a respected member of the community.
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I’m hoping to hear Maia’s point as well since the way her brother is named has a ripple effect on her.
Maia creates a loved and adored image of Bear.
The changes allows the freedom to be themselves, growth and a loving environment for Cora, Maia and Bear.
I think Maia has a trauma response when Roland returns home. She becomes guarded, no longer feels free not because of Roland, but because she sees a dad as being someone who’s toxic and dysfunctional.
Bear and Julian are boys who are deeply loved and they are free to be themselves. Gordon junior is a little boy who is constantly seeking his dad’s love and attention.
The kids moved to Ireland when Cora died and Silbhe, Cora’s mom took them in.
Julian, as young as he is, is aware that he has to be gentle with Maia and not to frighten her. While Maia is like a mother hen with Julian.
Maia could reach the same heights as Cora did with ballet in order to feel a connection with her.
Gordon senior is rather sneaky asking Gordon junior about Cora’s behavior when he’s not at home. Gordon junior will do anything to gain his father’s approval.
Gordon realizes that he always wanted to be called Luke. The teacher could have handled the situation differently by calling Gordon aside and asking him about the name Luke.
Cora’s response to her mom’s offer for help is not surprising. She feels trapped and manipulated by Gordon.
The police officer should absolutely have been more attentive and should have investigated further. Instead he took the situation at face value and seemed more relieved by Cora’s response. -
Friends, I’m sorry but this book has activated me in a way I didn’t expect. I am so glad I am doing this readalong because to do this on my own. Wow. Forgive my essays in advance I really have a lot to unpack here!
I think Maia, means she knows that not all dads are like hers but her reality is the dad she has. I also think because of the dad that she has it’s put her off men completely. Your first male or female interaction is your parents, your first insight into what a relationship is, what it looks like, is your parents. If it’s appealing you’ll buy in and want the same if it isn’t you’ll find another path. I think that’s what Maia means. You can know intellectually that not all men are like your father, but because your first and most persist experience was with a man like your father that’s going to colour your view.
I’m holding my breath for sure. Any scenario where Gordon doesn’t factor is most ideal for me. I don’t know if I’m running ahead here but the response from the police officer when Cora lied that her mum has dementia is biggest problem when it comes to domestic violence. In both instances (Bear and Gordon) society makes excuses for Gordon’s behaviour or they simply cannot expect it. He’s this upstanding guy, what did they do to set him off to act so out of character or, he’s my doctor I knew it couldn’t be true, like??? Are you kidding me, you’re a police officer and you lot had to draw straws on who must come and help me because you don’t believe that my husband could have done this to me!? Balance me!!!
The Gordon chapter is honestly sad for all involved. Gordon doesn’t want to be Gordon, he wants to be Luke, Gordon snr. needs to use his son to spy on his wife and is only satisfied when Gordon jnr. confirms his misguided and baseless allegations against his wife. I mean what is wrong with your marriage where you are so suspicious of your wife that you need to ally your son against her??? That the only alone time with your son is to get a report from him? Where you can’t even spend time with him for him. Like I really hope someone tells us how Gordon snr. came to be this way, because it’s not normal. I really want to know what his childhood was like because this is beyond me. I can’t understand it.
So I think Cora’s response to her mum is as honest as can be. She would rather stay and be treated like an animal then lose her children and Gordon knows that and has used it against her. This guy has calculated everything. How he presents himself, how he insulates himself, how he treats his wife. It’s all perfectly planned.
I was so disappointed in Gordon (Luke) telling these lies about his mother but I understand why he did it. He wants acceptance from his mother and it seems standing against her in solidarity with his father is the only way he can get it. Cora in my view helps to perpetuate this by not asking Gordon jnr. in front of his father, why he is lying and saying these things. I guess it’s because she wants to protect him against his father but if anything it just fuels this nonsense narrative that Gordon snr. has in his mind.
I will not be needing tissues for this book, I have concluded that I will be needing a punching bag.
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Maia’s view of father’s in general is skewed by her own father’s behaviour. Although Roland’s return does change things, the changes are different and more positive to those that Gordon’s presence brings, but Maia is still to young to make the differentiation.
I found the reason for the move to Ireland devastating and sadly I don’t think that Maia will reach the same heights in her dancing that her mother did. One needs passion for that kind of achievement, and she doesn’t have that love for dancing.
It’s never ok for a parent to put their child in the position that Gordon puts the younger Gordon into. And because the child is so desperate for his father’s It’s inevitable that he will lie if he thinks he’ll get his approval.
By writing down the name ‘Luke’, Gordon seems to be trying to escape his entire persona, not just his name and its association. I was so sad for him when the teacher dealt with the situation with such a lack of empathy. She could have handled that so differently and not made him feel so embarrassed.
Cora should have been proud of Maia for writing to Silbhe, but it’s never that simple. She was mortified that her daughter knew exactly how bad things were and had reached out, when she had been unable to. The police officer should have investigated further but took the easy way out. Gordon was a well-respected, upstanding doctor who treated most of the people in town and it would have just made things awkward if there had been some sort of incident t involving him. I was SO angry though – the police are supposed to check these things out, regardless of who is involved!!! -
In the Bear chapter, their life is very different but in a positive way. The bond between Maia and Bear is beautiful. Maia’s view on a father is skewed unfortunately due to Gordon’s behaviour and his treatment of Cora. Maia knows that not all father’s are the same but it’s difficult for her to let go of her negative experiences with an abusive dad. I found the Julian chapter so sad. Maia was a hollow version of herself, trying to find a connection to her mom by doing ballet. She probably won’t reach the heights her mom did but it’s a way for her to feel closer to Cora. The Gordon chapter sadly shows a boy willing to lie and say anything against his mom in order to get noticed by his father. The fact that Gordon snr uses his son to get information about Cora is sickening. The police officer incident made me so angry because again we see how society isn’t willing to believe that an upstanding man within the community could possibly be abusing his wife. The fact that Cora lied and said her mom had dementia shows again why women keep quiet about the abuse, they know they won’t be believed and of course Cora’s biggest fear of being deemed an unfit mother will become a reality.
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The Bear chapter shows how different their lives are but not necessarily in a negative way. The bond between Maia and Bear is beautiful. Maia’s reaction to Fern’s dad is coloured by her dad and the way he treated her mom and the fear they lived in. She knows not all father’s are like hers but it’s a difficult concept for her to accept. The Julian chapter was heartbreaking. Maia is a hollow version of herself. She wants to do ballet to feel a connection to her mother. It’s not about being the best dancer I don’t think. The Gordon chapter shows us a boy who sadly will do anything including lie in order to get his dad’s attention. The fact that Gordon snr uses his son to get information about his wife is sickening. I feel like the teacher incident showed that Gordon perhaps wants to be someone else. The teacher handled the situation poorly and could’ve had a private chat with him about his name. The police officer incident made me angry because that’s exactly why women in these abusive relationships don’t ask for help. Her husband is a well respected man in the community, he could never be abusive surely? Not even the police officer believes his doctor could be hurting his wife.
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I am hoping to read more from Maia’s POV – it gives the story even more depth due to the different perspectives.
Maia’s recollection of Bear shows the love she has for him and the bond they had since the beginning.
It made me happy to see them all experiencing a normal, functional family life in the Bear chapter. You can still see the remnants of their trauma through Maia’s “knee-jerk” reaction to Roland – she expects him to act how her father did.
Knowing that she is safe doesn’t necessarily translate into feeling safe. Her feelings are still shaped by what she has witnessed.
I am definitely holding my breath to find out what has happened to Gordon in the Bear chapters.
I assume the move was due to the death of Cora and I assume Gordon was taken into custody for her murder and so the kids needed a caretaker and Cora’s mom was the natural choice.
I found it so heartbreaking that Julian is aware that he shouldn’t frighten Maia. It just shows what she has been through. Maia’s every action is tainted by her father’s actions.
I suspect Maia will find healing through dancing and it will become a passion for her because of the connection with her mom, making her excel in it.
Gordon Sr is constantly looking for reasons to justify his treatment of Cora in his mind. He seeks reasons to be violent – I think her “shortcomings” makes him feel like he is superior and it boosts his ego.
It is so sad that Gordon Sr’s need to please his parents no matter what is now being transferred to his son. His son is now willing to jeopardise his mom if it means satiating his dad’s needs. It shows that he is not enough for his dad but has to try and earn his love.
I think he is seeking a different identity because he is not comfortable in his current one, being named after his dad. He wants to be someone else. He does not like who he becomes in order to please his dad. The teacher’s response was so cold, showing no insight into a child’s mind. She should have been wondering why he did this and maybe pulled him aside and asked him to gain understanding.
I understand that Cora was fearful of her mom’s awareness of the situation causing them to be put in more danger. If it was so easy to get out of her situation, I think she would have definitely already done so. Her mom’s calls probably also reminded her that her situation is not normal.
In domestic abuse cases the woman is scared for her life and will probably never admit right off the bat that she is being abused because of the consequences that might have. The police officer should have known this and made sure she felt safe enough to be open with him.
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1) Yes, I think the author will be giving us multiple points of view throughout this book.
2) The image Maia has created of Bear is one of a lovable, happy and outspoken child. Her recollection of him when he was four depicts a child not afraid of having an opinion and voicing it. He also sees himself and Maia as a pair or maybe a team, albeit not the conventional kind.
3) I think that the changes are good. They are still together, safe and happy. It was a positive outcome for them. Maia knows and acknowledges that Roland is good and kind but based on her trauma from her father she will always be cautious and guarded around men and especially fathers.
4) Maia is intelligent enough to be able to compartmentalise her trauma however, one does not have control of how your body reacts or feels in relation to the after effects of said trauma; and no amount of knowledge can change that.
5) I am fully emotionally invested in the characters of this book so yes, I am holding my breath to find out what will happen to Gordon.
6) Bear and Julian are happy and carefree young boys; whereas Gordon is insecure and always seeking attention and validation especially from his father.
7) After Cora died they moved to Ireland to live with their grandmother Silbhe (Cora’s mother).
8) Although Julian is young he understands the kind of trauma Maia has endured and he tries by all means not to cause her any more. Yes, I think Maia has always been more of a protector to Julian than just his older sister.
9) No, sadly I do not think that Maia will reach the lengths her mother has achieved. Cora had passion and talent; whereas Maia only wants to dance because it was special to her mother. Maia lacks a driving passion for dance.
10) Gordon snr is very manipulative by turning what could have been a great father-son bonding moment into an inquisition about Cora.
11) I’m very conflicted because as much as I want to be upset with Gordon jnr I actually also feel very sorry for him because he is just a boy who what’s his fathers attentions and approval.
12) I think he was trying to have an identity of his own and assert who he thinks he should be. I did not approve of the teachers reaction and believe she definitely could have dealt with the situation with more grace and empathy. She could have spoken to him privately to try and understand why he wanted to be called Luke instead of assuming he was just being rebellious.
13) I am not surprised by Cora’s response. Her reasons are valid; because Gordon made it impossible for her to be seen as a mentally stable parent. He was well respected in the community and would have definitely won sole custody of the kids if it had gone to court. Cora knew that she had to stay so that she doesn’t lose her kids.
14) Yes, I strongly believe that he could have been more attentive. He could have conducted a proper investigation and also verified Cora’s claim that her mother had dementia. The officer was too relieved at Cora’s lies because he did not want to believe that his doctor was capable of abuse.
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I’m hoping we get more chapters from Maia’s point of view. It’s heartbreaking but necessary to see the long-term impact her childhood had on her. Experiencing her world through her eyes brings a deeper understanding of the emotional damage that’s been done.
I loved it. The bond between Maia and Bear is something really special. A sibling relationship, especially in a house full of chaos, becomes a source of comfort and Maia clearly cherishes that. It was such a tender, grounding moment.
I completely understand her reaction. She’s never had a safe or positive experience with a father figure so it makes sense that she’s wary around Roland. That kind of trauma doesn’t disappear easily and trust isn’t something she can offer right away, especially to a man.
She understands that not all dads are like hers but emotionally it’s a different story. Trauma wires you to react from fear and experience, not logic. It’s something that might be helped with therapy but healing like that takes a long time.
Yes, absolutely. I’ve been holding my breath in every Bear and Gordon chapter waiting for the next moment of tension or heartbreak. The Julian chapter especially shattered me. I had really hoped for a different outcome.
Bear is carefree and surrounded by love. Julian is clinging to the only family he has left and just wants connection. Young Gordon is so focused on earning his father’s approval that he doesn’t even realise the harm he’s causing. Each child’s world is shaped by the adults around them and some of those worlds are heartbreaking.
I think the abuse eventually escalated to the point of tragedy, leading to Cora’s death. The move to Ireland may have been an attempt to start over, whether forced or chosen.
It’s gut-wrenching that even at such a young age, Julian knows not to sneak up on Maia because of what she’s been through. Maia clearly loves him but emotionally she’s checked out. She’s still grieving and traumatised. While she’s physically present, she’s not able to fully be there for him yet.
I don’t think she’ll reach the same professional level as her mother but I do think dance will become something deeply personal for her. It will be a way to heal and reconnect with herself and with her mother. It’s more about emotional survival than achievement now.
It made me hate him even more. He’s using his son’s longing for approval to continue hurting Cora. It’s manipulative and cruel and shows how far he’s willing to go to maintain control.
It made me angry but I also felt sorry for him. He’s a child, desperate to be loved by a father who only rewards cruelty. He doesn’t fully understand the damage he’s causing. He just wants to be seen.
I think he wrote Luke because deep down he doesn’t want to be tied to his father’s name. It’s a small way to reclaim part of his identity. The teacher’s reaction felt insensitive. She could have handled it with more care by speaking to him privately and trying to understand what he was going through.
Cora is so afraid of losing her children that she’s willing to stay in an abusive situation just to keep them close. Her response shows how trapped she feels and how powerless she believes she is, even when a chance to escape appears.
Yes. Just asking someone if they’re being abused is not always enough. Victims often deny it out of fear. The officer should have been more attentive and taken time to notice other signs or speak to someone else in the household privately.
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1) I think, depending on if Cora is there or not, will take place from Maia and Bear/Julian/Gordon’s POV – it’s kind of like a mini multi-POV it seems
2) They have a wonderful bond and he is a very affectionate little brother.
3) These changes have really had a positive impact on their relationship – I do think it is incredibly hard to be a single mother, but it has allowed them all to be themselves. To be children, love their mother and love each other in a way that is not hindered.
4) I think Maia has some trauma with her father (obviously) and will fear Roland the same way she feared her father.
5) It comes down to actions speak louder than words. She has some apprehension because her father figure was such a toxic, cruel man, it’s hard to believe that “not all fathers” you know? And I suppose she feels some way about it because of how Fern and Mehris kind of close up when Roland is home. Although he does spoil Maia and Bear too.
6) I have been holding my breath the whole book so far – it’s only in Bear’s chapters that I can breathe a little (for now I guess)
7) The difference is startling. The love [and respect] for their mother and sister lessons from Bear to Julian to Gordon, and the need for approval from Gordon Snr increases.
8) We learn that Maia and Gordon passed away right? Well that’s what I’m assuming – it mentioned something about homicide. So that’s probably why – their gran can’t leave to England.
9) Oh I didn’t notice that the way he played/interacted with her was so different – I think I should read it again. I think Maia, much like with Bear, is the same with Julian, and tries to protect him at all costs.
10) I definitely think with the purpose of being closer to her mother, she might actually be the dancer her mother always wanted to be.
11) I think it’s absolutely disgusting and I abhor Gordon Snr
12) The poor boy will do anything for his father’s attention – he can see how his father controls his mother and thinks it is a positive thing, and “catching out” his mom might bring them closer.
13) I think he is trying to break free from his father’s shadow and expectations, maybe he does feel who his father is, is not who he is supposed to be. I like that he wants a different name. The teacher could have been more patient and listened, understand why he wants to be called Luke.
14) It is an expected response to someone who is a domestic violence victim – downplaying the seriousness of the situation…. I wish she would accept the help from Silbhe.
15) He should have been – but they assume they know Dr Gordon and his good nature etc. He even admitted he was young and new to the force. He should have taken the complaint more seriously. -
I think that Maia sees all men as violent because of her father. So she acts a certain way around Roland because she’s afraid he will act like her father if she doesn’t.
Yes I think us readers are holding our breath. I’m always worried what next.I think the in the Julian chapter we see what we feared that Cora has died due to domestic violence and the children have been placed with Cora’s mother in Ireland a distance from their father.
I think Gordon Snr knows that Maia is aware of what is going on and that Gordon is still naive and will do anything he’s father asks because he sees his father as a hero due to the boys outings etc.
I think Gordon’s teacher could’ve dealt with the situation very differently. She was impatient and unprofessional. She was dismissive of why Gordon would’ve done something like that. Maybe he wants to be seen differently and if he changes his name then he will be a different person to his friends.
I think Maia is going to be the hero of this story. I think she’s curious by nature and because of this she notices everything. I think reaching out to her grandmother was brave and gutsy. The officer that arrived at the door again was dismissive and all because Gordon Snr is “his dr and such a good man.” The way he laughed and blurted out how no one wanted to take the call to come to the house. Cora’s excuse was a cry for help and as a policeman he should’ve seen it.
This book is breaking my heart
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Seven years have passed in the story, and everything feels heavier and yet strangely quieter. When the chapters shift, it’s clear we’re stepping into Maia’s world. Her voice carries a mix of maturity and ache that makes me think the rest of the story will follow her perspective. Her recollection of Bear when he was four was so beautifully detailed — it painted a picture of safety, innocence, and love that Maia seems desperate to hold onto.
After the events in the 1987 Bear chapter, things changed. There’s still tension, but now there’s space for softness. Cora walks through her life with a different rhythm. Before, she orbited Gordon — anticipating his wants, his moods. Now, it’s like she moves for herself, cautiously, deliberately. And yes—I’ve felt like I’ve been holding my breath along with her. Waiting. Dreading. Hoping Gordon doesn’t make a return.
When Fern says, “most dads aren’t like yours,” Maia doesn’t argue—but instead draws a line between knowing and feeling. That moment really stood out to me. She’s smart enough to understand that her dad isn’t representative of all men, but her emotional truth says otherwise. Your first example of love — of safety — is often a parent. And if that example breaks you, it colours everything after.
Julian’s gentleness toward Maia shows just how emotionally tuned in he is, even at his young age. And Maia, in turn, nurtures Julian with a tenderness that feels earned through hardship. She carries a big emotional load—like she’s trying to protect everyone from the echoes of their past.
Dance becomes a lifeline for Maia — a way to connect with her mother and maybe even a way to reclaim something that was lost. I can genuinely see her reaching the heights Cora did. Not just out of ambition, but out of love and the need for belonging.
The Gordon chapter is haunting. Gordon Jr. is being used as a tool — to spy, to confirm suspicions, and to validate his father’s paranoia. He’s not seen as a son, but as an informant. When he lies about his mother, it stings deeply. But part of me understands it. He wants approval, and it seems like taking his father’s side is the only way to earn it.
And when he writes “Luke” instead of “Gordon,” it’s his way of reaching for an identity that isn’t defined by someone else. That teacher should have asked him privately, gently, why he felt more like Luke. Instead, it became just another moment where Gordon Jr. wasn’t truly heard.
Cora’s reaction to her mother’s offer for help speaks volumes. She doesn’t trust that the system or even her own family can protect her. It’s not just stubbornness — it’s fear layered over years of being manipulated and cornered. And the police officer? He should’ve done more. He should’ve looked past the surface, asked harder questions. Instead, he acted like Cora’s calm exterior was proof that everything was fine. That’s the problem with how domestic abuse is often misunderstood — it doesn’t always come with visible bruises, but it always comes with fear.
This book doesn’t ask gently — it demands your attention.
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1. I hope to get everyone – except Gordon’s perspective.
2. I think it’s a sweet image, but it’s ruined a bit by the domineering grandparents.
3. Each change was so different, and I had so many emotions. I felt sorry for Maia when Roland returned, it’s a pity she was frightened and felt uncomfortable when she really didn’t have to. Her trauma affected her future.
4. You can know something in your head, and feel something in your heart, both need to match, and while her head told she she was safe her heart was still very much broken.
5. I had hopes that he met an end (life sentence) and would not be able to hurt and control anyone again.
6. It’s concerning just how much 1 parent can control and influence a child, even if one parent is good and kind, caring. It’s scary to think that the less kind parent may have a stronger hold and influence.
7. I was hoping for safety and escape.
8. I hate it, I hate that he has such a hold on everything.
9. I don’t know, I think passion has to come from within, not externally.
10. It’s creepy and controlling. It’s teaching young Gordon that his dad has control and his mom is nothing and meaningless – in his eyes.
11. He’s trying to please and win over his father. It’s very bad that he’s already doing this at such a young age.
13. I think she was trying to protect herself and her kids and her mom, if her mom arrived and Gordon had a “reaction” it would be bad.
14. If there was a way for her to safely answer without Gordon overhearing, yes absolutely.
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1. Yes, I think we will get POV’s from many of the characters.
2. I loved it. Bear was such a happy and sweet kid, it was nice to see after the previous chapters. Maia created an image of a kid who is lovable and happy.
3. I was over the moon to learn that Gordon was out of their lives. I think the changes are good.
4. Knowing and feeling aren’t the same thing. You can know you are in a safe space, but still not feel safe or want to let your guard down due to previous experiences.
5. Yes, definitely. I’m curious about his story, but I also hope he doesn’t come back.
6. Bear is a happy, lovable kid. Julian is carefree and happy. Gordon is focused on gaining approval and attention from his father.
7. I think the move had to be about moving closer to Cora’s mother and her family, and an area and people who are safe.
8. I think it’s sad that they both are so young and clearly have trauma from their father and his behaviour.
9. Yes, I do. Maia is looking for a connection to her mother, and I believe she will pursue this new drive and work to achieve what her mother couldn’t/didn’t get the chance to.
10. I think Gordon Snr is a manipulative man who knows that his son wants his approval and attention and will use that trust and naivete to gather information about his wife in order to hurt her.
11. I think its sad. I don’t blame young Gordon. He is a small child who doesn’t understand the situation or what impact his words will have and trusts his dad.
12. Gordon realised that he likes the name Luke and would like to be called Luke. I think the teacher could have handled the situation differently by talking to him privately and listening to what he had to say.
13. I think she is terrified that Gordon will take her children away from her, and that’s why she has never asked for help. Gordon has conditioned her to believe that no one will believe her.
14. Yes, he should have been more attentive. He should have taken a domestic violence call more seriously and not just given up after one question because ‘he’s my doctor. ’
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