Alex Michaelides’ novel, “The Silent Patient,” is a psychological thriller. This book truly had my attention the whole time with its compelling plot and characters.
The story revolves around Alicia Berenson, a talented painter, who is found standing over her husband Gabriel’s lifeless body with a gun in her hand. From that very moment, she stops speaking altogether. When I read the summary on the back of this novel, it was that part that got me hooked. I had to know why she wouldn’t utter a sound.
The book is narrated by Theo Faber, a psychotherapist who becomes obsessed with Alicia’s case. Like me, Theo wants to get to the root of why Alicia stopped speaking. Theo takes a position at the psychiatric facility where Alicia is being treated. As he dives into her life, he discovers a complex web of lies and truths that challenge his perception of the case and his patient, Alicia.
This novel is very cleverly crafted. Michaelides’ writing style is intriguing without causing confusion, but don’t get me wrong, you will be second-guessing yourself until the last page. Each chapter switches between Theo’s perspective and Alicia’s, with the help of her diary entries.
You will find yourself trying your hardest to create a plausible theory around what happened to lead to the moment Alicia was found silently standing over her husband.
Alicia’s silence is what keeps you drawn to the story. You can’t help but wonder the “what’s,” “where’s,” “when’s,” and “why’s” as you are introduced to new characters following Theo’s discoveries.
Theo adds an interesting element to the story as well, as he himself has layers and complexities to his character. This creates an interesting storytelling dynamic as you dive into both of these characters’ brains.
If you have heard anything about this book, you’ve probably heard that it will whiplash your thoughts and get you thinking one way and then another. You will be frustrated until you are relieved from the stress of the unknown with a satisfying ending. The last few chapters will build up that frustration as the final section brings you sweet, beautiful clarity. The author did a good job with his ability to keep you captivated as you spend a lot of time not understanding how what you’re reading fits into the true plot.
“The Silent Patient” shares themes of how complex the past weaves itself into the present. The novel will pique curiosity about the reality of your perception versus someone else’s.
Wrapping up this review, “The Silent Patient” will have you glued by provoking you to think about varying details and ideas all at once. This psychological thriller truly stands out to me amongst the others in the genre by leading you to think deeply but not losing you. If you want an intriguing book with a multilayered plot, this one’s for you.
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