The novel *Corinne*, published in 2022, features a woman grappling with her departure from a fundamentalist upbringing and her memories of a first love, Enoch. Initially credited to Rebecca Morrow, described as a pseudonym for a New York Times bestselling author, the true identity of the author remained undisclosed until now. Rebecca Morrow is, in fact, Rainbow Rowell, well-known for books such as *Eleanor & Park* and *Cherry Baby*. While *Corinne* is not autobiographical, it addresses themes personal to Rowell.
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In a reflection on her writing journey, Rowell explained that amidst the uncertainties during the COVID-19 pandemic, she felt compelled to write a deeply personal story. She described working feverishly on the manuscript, which explores complex themes of faith, shame, and sexuality, especially addressing the lingering impacts of leaving a fundamentalist church.
After completing the first draft, Rowell considered it her favorite work but was apprehensive about sharing it publicly. She felt it was too intimate, diverging from the young adult fantasy genre for which she was known. Encouraged by her literary agent, Rowell published the novel under a pseudonym as a way to release the story without facing scrutiny from her established readership.
Rowell's pseudonym allowed her to explore these heavy themes without the burden of her existing persona. She and her editor crafted a marketing strategy that included a vague author biography, avoiding any misrepresentation. Despite some readers speculating about her identity, Rowell remained detached from discussing the book.
*Corinne* is a tale of flawed characters, and Rowell expressed a deep affection for them, stating they resonate with her despite not being directly based on her life. As the narrative took on a life of its own, Rowell realized that avoiding the conversation around the book was becoming increasingly difficult.
Now, Rowell is set to release a new edition of *Corinne* with her name on the cover in July 2027, alongside a sequel titled *Catch Us the Foxes* slated for March 2028. The new edition includes revisions that delve deeper into certain character arcs and themes, and Rowell hopes it will reach a wider audience.
Reflecting on her experience, Rowell noted the tension between sharing her truth and the fear of exposure. Bringing her name to the forefront feels like reclaiming a part of her journey, and she expressed excitement about finally acknowledging *Corinne* as part of her literary identity.