THEauthor of the million dollar saga The Housemaid came out after years internationally successful under the pseudonym of Freida McFadden. His real name is Sara Cohen and it’s one American neurologist specializing in brain disorders. The revelation came later years of speculation about his true identity. «I’m tired of hearing people question my existence or think my books were written by three men. I am a real person, I have a real identity and I have nothing to hide,” the author revealed to USA Today.
The author of The Housemaid reveals his identity
«While my real name will be a surprise, nothing else will be. I have always been authentic with my readers» explained Cohen. A way to reiterate that, beyond identity, what really matters is the voice that has won over millions of readers.
Freida McFadden is the American neurologist Sara Cohen
Cohen explained that he adopted him Freida’s pseudonym in 2013when he started publishing, for keep your literary career separate from your work in the medical field. A little in style Hannah Montanawhen he participated in events and awards ceremonies related to his books, Cohen often wore a wig and sunglasses to avoid being recognized. A real one double life, born not to create mystery, but to protect one’s professionespecially in a delicate context such as the hospital one. Over time, however, the growing popularity of his novels made it increasingly difficult to maintain this separation, gradually leading to it reduce clinical activity and focus more on writing.
The reason for the revelation: to fully recognize female success in publishing
There her choice to remain anonymous has generated numerous speculations about her identity over the years. In some cases, the writer’s success has even been questionedas if such a prolific and popular author could not be a single person. A reflecting suspicion a prejudice still present in publishing. The idea that large-scale success is more easily attributable to male or collective figuresrather than to a single woman.
Cohen’s story becomes the tale of a system that often struggles to fully recognize female success when it is too big or too fast. “I’m a real person, I have nothing to hide.” This is why the author spilled the beans: to take credit for her work, for herself and for all the women who are often not recognized.
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