Discoveries about “The Maidens” Thriller: Why did the Author Choose the University of Cambridge, and is Edward Fosca’s Character Real? (video in Armenian)
Tense plot, unexpected twists, fusion of Greek myths and modern psychology. In the new novel by Alex Michaelides, ancient traditions meet the technologies of the new millennium. Critics are convinced that with the new book "The Maidens", Alex Michaelides
Earlier this year, Newmag presented Alex Michaelides's "The Silent Patient" and just months later the writer's next thriller, "The Maidens". All those who read "The Silent Patient" were waiting for Michaelides’s new book. It may seem that the second book is the continuation of the first one, but the writer assures that he has never copied himself. “I want to grow as a writer, to become better, to discover new horizons. The first thing I will never do on this path is to copy my successful novels. It would be the easiest and safest decision to take a story that people like, change it a bit and get a new story, but as a writer I would be exhausted. That's why I created this story, more dramatic, darker and deeper.”
The student life in Cambridge University turns upside down after the mysterious murders. The first victim was a member of “The Maidens" secret group. Mariana, a group therapist who had not yet recovered from her personal grief, returns to Cambridge to discover the hidden truth. The author explains why Cambridge was chosen as a location. “The idea of writing a book came, when I realized that I had to focus on everything that really interested me: Greek mythology, psychology, mysterious murder ... All these were added with another detail - the location. I studied in Cambridge, I know a lot of details about that place. Thus, I decided to showcase the undiscovered side of that mysterious world.”
Edward Fosca is a handsome and charismatic Greek Tragedy professor at Cambridge University, Fosca is adored by staff and students alike—particularly by the members of a secret society of female students known as The Maidens. Only Mariana believes that Fosca is a murderer. The prototype of the mysterious professor was Michaelides’s therapist, who humiliated his patients.“I think those relationships and memories somehow found a place in my book. The prototype of the professor is my therapist. If you can write about your fears, it means that you have been able to overcome them.”
Readers call the thriller a psychological masterpiece. Michaelides promises the reader that this literary journey and mysterious story will provide the brightest emotional palette.
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