Reading Between the Lines: A Branches Book Club Companion to Florence Knapp's"The Names"
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH | BRANCHES BOOK CLUB COMPANION
Join Branches at Booktenders!
Stories of Resilience Book Club
October 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Booktenders
Barboursville, West Virginia
All are welcome! Join Branches for a thoughtful conversation about The Names by Florence Knapp and the real-world experiences of survivors of domestic violence.
Content note
This reading guide discusses domestic violence, coercive control, and trauma. Some themes may be difficult for readers.
Books have a remarkable way of helping us see the world through someone else's eyes. They invite us to consider experiences we may never have encountered ourselves, challenge what we think we know, and leave us with questions that stay with us long after we've turned the final page.
This October, Branches is excited to join the Stories of Resilience Book Club at Booktenders in Barboursville to discuss The Names by Florence Knapp as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Through Cora's story, The Names invites readers to consider the complicated realities of domestic violence, the impact of abuse across generations, and the possibilities that emerge when people have the opportunity to make their own choices.
At Branches, we know these aren't just fictional themes. They reflect questions survivors, families, and communities navigate every day.
We've created this companion guide to connect some of the themes in The Names with resources from Branches, including our Root for Each Other podcast, educational blog posts, and Safety & Resources Library. Whether you're joining us at Booktenders or discovering this guide on your own, we hope these resources help turn meaningful conversations into meaningful action!
1. When someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, how do you help?
In The Names, Cora's mother and extended family struggle to understand how to help her amid her abusive marriage. They care about her and want her to be safe, but recognizing that someone you love is experiencing domestic violence and knowing what to do next are two very different things.
It's a situation many families and friends can relate to. You might worry about saying the wrong thing, struggle to understand why someone stays, or feel frustrated when your attempts to help don't lead to the outcome you hoped for.
Supporting someone experiencing abuse doesn't mean having all the answers. It means listening without judgment, respecting their choices, and continuing to let them know they aren't alone.
Keep the conversation going: Listen to Root for Each Other, Branches' podcast "Staying the Course: Supporting a Loved One."
2. When money becomes a tool for control
Domestic violence isn't always physical. Financial control can be one of the ways an abusive partner limits another person's choices and maintains power in a relationship.
Financial abuse can include restricting someone's access to money, interfering with their employment, creating debt in their name, or preventing them from developing the financial independence they may need to pursue safety.
These tactics can make leaving or rebuilding a life feel especially difficult. Understanding the financial side of abuse helps us recognize that safety involves much more than simply finding somewhere else to live.
Keep the conversation going: Visit the Financial Abuse section of our online Resource Library.
3. When the past doesn't stay in the past
As an adult, Maia experiences a powerful reaction when faced with the possibility of unexpectedly encountering her father. Her response reminds us that experiences of abuse can have effects that extend well beyond the time someone spends in an unsafe home.
For survivors, reminders of past experiences can sometimes bring up intense emotions or feelings of danger, even years later. These reactions can be difficult for others to understand, particularly when they don't know the person's history.
Trauma responses aren't always visible, predictable, or easy to explain. Responding with patience and understanding, rather than judgment, can help create the space someone needs to feel supported.
Keep the conversation going: Read the Branches blog post When the Past Won't Stay in the Past: Understanding Domestic Violence and PTSD.
This resource explores how domestic violence and trauma can affect survivors over time and why understanding those experiences matters when supporting someone on their healing journey.
4. Understanding the help that's available
Seeking help can feel complicated when someone else has so much control over your life. Even when support exists, a person may not know where to begin, what their options are, or whether asking for help will mean losing control over what happens next.
That's why understanding domestic violence advocacy is so important. Advocacy isn't about telling someone what they must do. It's about helping survivors understand their options, identify their needs, and make informed decisions about their own lives.
Keep the conversation going: Tune in to Root for Each Other for our episode "DV Advocacy & Services."
Learn about the role advocates play in supporting survivors, connecting them with resources, and helping them explore possible next steps.
You can also visit the Branches Services page to learn more about the support available.
If you or someone you know is in a situation like Cora, here are some resources that might help.
You don't have to know exactly what to say or have a plan in place before reaching out for support. Whether you're experiencing abuse yourself or are concerned about someone you love, learning about available options can be a meaningful first step.
Here are three places to start:
Explore: Branches Safety & Resources Library
If you or someone you know needs support, Branches' confidential hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call 304-529-2382.
Branches' services are free. You don't have to navigate these questions alone, and you don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
The conversation doesn't have to end with the last page.
One of the most powerful things The Names reminds us is that domestic violence doesn't affect just one person. Its impact can reach children, families, friendships, and entire communities. But those same connections can also become sources of understanding, encouragement, and support.
We may not always know what someone else is experiencing. We may not have the perfect words or an easy solution. But we can choose to listen, learn, challenge harmful assumptions, and help people connect with resources when they need them.
At Branches, we believe building a safer community begins with those everyday choices.
As you reflect on The Names, consider this question: What could change if every one of us felt a little more prepared to recognize domestic violence and support someone experiencing it?
We'd love to continue that conversation with you.
Join Branches at the Stories of Resilience Book Club at Booktenders in Barboursville on October 22 at 5:30 p.m. as we explore The Names together in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
All are welcome.
You don't have to be an expert to be part of the conversation.
Learn more about Branches, our services, and additional resources at branchesdvs.org.
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