In Laetitia Colombani’s novel The Braid, Sarah, a driven lawyer in Montreal, appears to have achieved professional success. However, her journey has been marked by numerous sacrifices, including a divorce and three children whom she keeps hidden from her coworkers. During a critical hearing, she collapses, revealing her hidden battle with breast cancer.

Sarah’s struggle reflects the societal pressure to hide perceived weaknesses in competitive professional environments, as described by Erving Goffman in Stigma. Many of us wear masks to avoid judgment from colleagues and maintain a facade of meeting expectations.

Eventually, Sarah can no longer conceal her illness, and rumors begin to circulate. Despite appearing benevolent, her colleagues discriminate against her. She is sidelined from important cases and denied a promotion, replaced by a competitive coworker.

Ultimately, Sarah’s story highlights the need for workplaces that prioritize authenticity and well-being over unrealistic performance expectations. By embracing our true selves and seeking environments that value honesty, we pave the way for genuine success and fulfillment.