The Names

by Don DeLillo
The Names cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Thriller/Suspense
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  • ID: 2365
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9780330297516
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 1987-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In the turbulent world of expatriates, James Axton, an American risk analyst, finds himself entangled in a web of danger and mystery. His investigation into a ritual-murder cult in the Aegean takes him on a perilous journey to the ancient city of Lahore, where he seeks to unravel the secret meanings behind the cult's actions. The novel blends elements of suspense and historical intrigue, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The Names is a compelling exploration of the darker side of human behavior and the lengths to which people will go to uncover the truth. With its richly detailed settings and complex characters, the book offers a deep dive into the world of espionage and the psychological toll it takes on those involved.

Reviews
Biblioklept · 2018-04-07
thought-provoking 4.50

The novel's appeal lies in DeLillo's riffs on language and meaning in a postmodern era. The language cult is not socioculturally realistic but rather a philosophical exploration.

The reviewer at Biblioklept highlights the great appeal of 'The Names' as DeLillo's riffs on language and meaning in a postmodern era. They note that the language cult in the novel is not portrayed as socioculturally realistic but rather as a philosophical exploration. This approach makes the novel a unique and thought-provoking read. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of DeLillo's treatment of language, which adds layers of meaning and intrigue to the story.

Quick quotes

    "The Names' great appeal is DeLillo's riffs on language and meaning in a postmodern era."

    "The language cult isn't some socioculturally-realistic ..."

    "... but rather a philosophical exploration."

The Guardian · Geoff Dyer · 2014-09-12
intriguing 4.00

The plot is thin but intriguing, with rumors of a cult and human sacrifices adding mystery. The novel's strength lies in its exploration of language and meaning.

Geoff Dyer finds the plot of 'The Names' to be somewhat sparse, describing it as 'a scant narrative line' with rumors of a cult and human sacrifices that add an element of mystery. However, he praises the novel for its deep exploration of language and meaning in a postmodern era. The novel's strength lies in its ability to delve into the amorphous and magical potential of language, making it a compelling read despite its thin plot. Dyer suggests that the novel's appeal is in its philosophical and linguistic depth rather than its narrative structure.

Quick quotes

    "There is a plot of sorts, 'a scant narrative line'."

    "Rumours circulate about a cult, about human sacrifices."

    "One of the characters wants to ..."

The New York Times · 1982-10-10
haunting 4.75

The novel is powerful and haunting, with a deep exploration of language as the deepest form of being. It is formidably intelligent and agile.

The New York Times reviewer describes 'The Names' as a powerful and haunting book that is formidably intelligent and agile. They highlight the novel's deep exploration of language as the deepest form of being, making it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to delve into the complexities of language and its impact on human existence. The novel's haunting quality and intellectual depth make it a standout work in DeLillo's oeuvre.

Quick quotes

    "The Names is a powerful, haunting book, formidably intelligent and agile."

    "Conversation is life, Axton says, language is the deepest being."

    "The Names is a powerful, haunting book,"

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