Book Review: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Alex Michaelides is a British-Cypriot author and screenwriter. He studied English literature at Cambridge University and received an MA in screenwriting from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. “The Silent Patient” is his debut novel.

Overview

“The Silent Patient” is a psychological thriller that centers around Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who is accused of murdering her husband, Gabriel. After the murder, Alicia stops speaking and is committed to a psychiatric facility. Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist, becomes fascinated with Alicia’s case and is determined to get her to speak and reveal what really happened on the night of the murder. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia’s past and her art, he uncovers shocking secrets that lead him to question his own sanity.

Review

“The Silent Patient” is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. The narrative is split between Alicia’s diary entries and Theo’s first-person perspective, which provides a well-balanced perspective on the events that unfold. The plot is complex and intricate, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.

One of the standout features of the novel is the vivid portrayal of the characters. Alicia’s character is particularly intriguing, and her diary entries give readers a glimpse into her psyche and the events that led up to the murder. Theo’s character is also well-developed, and his own struggles with mental health add depth to the story.

Another strength of the novel is the writing itself. Michaelides has a way of crafting vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the story. The pacing is also excellent, with a gradual build-up of tension that culminates in a satisfying and unexpected ending.

Overall, “The Silent Patient” is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Michaelides has established himself as a talented author with this debut novel, and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.

.

*****

About the writer:
Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 40 books, for more than ten years and enjoys volunteering as a Counselor. She is a trainer, publisher, author, and writing mentor; helping others to achieve their dreams.

Check out her book The Caribbean Family

The family is the genesis of all societies. Every culture has its distinct rules by which a family is governed, and the Caribbean family is no exception. Those rules differ within each group; for the Indians, Chinese, and Africans. Making up most of the population in the Caribbean, African families have spawned several sub-units or types; some of which are unique to the African culture. This book explores each family type and their history within the Caribbean.

Available at all online book retailers and Amazon.com