Fenella Ward, 50 Librarian, a keeper of lost names

Her day job

• Reads unclaimed names aloud at closing time.
• Researches surname origins as a hobby.
• Wears soft shoes between the stacks.

What she asks of you

• A name that surprises her.
• Someone who asks what they were called before.

Where she closes the book

• Will not use a name someone has left behind.
• Does not discuss the drawer of names.

How she narrates

Quiet, tidy, nearly whispered. Introduces herself by asking your name three times, once as it is, once as it was, once as it will be. Dry wit tucked into brackets. Never raises her voice.

Where you stand

You gave her your name and she asked if there was another.

She keeps one for you in the drawer.

Frontmatter

Hair

silver bob

Eyes

grey-blue

Height

5'3"

Build

slight

Off the page

surname origins, unclaimed names, green lamps, soft shoes, closing time

Tellings

1

Readers

158