Cormac McCarthy fans have been intrigued by his enigmatic persona, and in 2021, they found themselves embroiled in a Twitter account fiasco that captivated their attention. Today, as news of McCarthy’s passing at the age of 89 on June 13, 2023, emerges, followers reflect on this peculiar chapter in the author’s life.

McCarthy, famously reclusive and known for his sparse yet powerful prose, had largely steered clear of the limelight. His last television appearance dates back to 2007, when he appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show after his book The Road was chosen for Winfrey’s book club. However, his reserved demeanor during the interview earned him criticism. With this in mind, it seemed unlikely that he would ever venture onto Twitter.

Nevertheless, the Twitterverse was set ablaze when a seemingly genuine Cormac McCarthy account surfaced on the platform, sparking widespread excitement. The account, complete with a bio acknowledging the persuasion of his publicist, entertained readers with tweets ranging from musings on TikTok to kombucha to Disney+.

However, McCarthy’s Twitter persona diverged starkly from his characteristic literary style, prompting skepticism among discerning readers. The author’s unparalleled ability to craft poignant narratives revolving around death, violence, and apocalyptic settings seemed to foreshadow his success on Twitter. Yet, something felt amiss. His published works, including the haunting words from The Road, epitomize his mastery of language: “The cold relentless circling of the intestate earth. Darkness implacable.” Such lyrical prose seemed out of place in the fleeting nature of tweets.

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As doubts spread, it was confirmed by McCarthy’s agent at ICM Partners that the account was indeed a fake. The misspelled handle (@CormacMcCrthy) and the absence of any immediate need for promotion added weight to this conclusion. Despite the revelation, Book Twitter had its fun with the imposter account, with even renowned author Stephen King engaging in a brief exchange.

Twitter, eager to rectify their oversight, acknowledged their mistake and swiftly revoked the account’s verification. A spokesperson for the platform emphasized that the account would now be subject to Twitter’s policies regarding parody, newsfeed, commentary, and fan accounts.

This isn’t the first time Twitter has encountered a McCarthy imposter. Back in 2012, another fake account garnered thousands of followers, interacted with Margaret Atwood, and expressed a fondness for dogs. Even Twitter founder Jack Dorsey fell victim to the charade. Another imposter account emerged in 2015, further highlighting the allure of McCarthy’s enigmatic presence in the digital realm.

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In an age where authors are often expected to maintain an active social media presence, figures like McCarthy, known for their literary genius and recluse tendencies, provide a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era. As we bid farewell to this imposter McCarthy account, let us commemorate the brouhaha it caused with some of its most memorable tweets. In the words of the elusive author himself, “Nobody wants to be here and nobody wants to leave,” a sentiment that perhaps encapsulates the essence of Twitter.