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Named

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About this listen

Our names are a shadow we carry around with us. They are part of who we are. Our names are a marker of our self-identity and our sense of self. Our names have the power to shock. They have the power to heal, and they have the power to trigger conversations around race, class, social mobility and belonging. But what is a name? What do our names tell us about ourselves? And why do they matter?

Named is a fascinating exploration of names, global naming conventions and identity politics woven into a moving, personal narrative about the finding of family and self. At the intersection of memoir and social and cultural history it is a truly fascinating book about the seemingly ordinary and every day.

The author’s own narrative about her estrangement from her Nigerian father, the daily battles with her Jamaican mother and her journey towards identity is woven through the chapters making it an engaging and intimate investigation of what makes us who we are.

©2025 Camilla Balshaw (P)2025 W. F. Howes Ltd and Bedford Square Publishers Ltd.
Logic & Language Philosophy Relationships Women
All stars
Most relevant
An absorbing mixture of a personal family story and an emotional and anthropological exploration. Really well written And read!

A compelling listen!

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Brilliant just Brilliant my beautiful friend 👏🏾 🎊
I love the way years are intertwined in the storytelling and it great to hearthe words from the writers mouth, literally. Coming to terms with belonging and knowing where we come from in our journey to knowing who we are is deeply meaningful ❤️

Great writing!

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