Author: Alex Michaelides
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
The Silent Patient is the story of Alica Berenson, a talented and well-known painter accused of murdering her husband Gabriel. Moreover, since the murder she has not spoken a single word. Theo, a psychotherapist, decides to do everything possible to treat Alicia. However, Theo’s personal life is also in turmoil. Amidst all this, he’s desperate to make her talk again. All he has is Alicia’s journal and a painting to work with.
This is the debut novel for author Alex Michaelides. He couldn’t have asked for a better start. The book has received a good response from critics and audience alike and might be this year’s most talked about book in its genre.
The Silent Patient is engrossing and a page-turner. I am a slow reader, but it took me just two nights to finish this. The pace from the beginning to the end is fantastic. It builds up the mystery around the murder of Gabriel and keeps you guessing; whether Alicia killed him or not? Why is she not speaking?
There are two major characters, Alicia and Theo. The story is divided into three threads. We have the account of Alicia and Theo, Theo’s personal life, and Alica’s past(her journal). He also brings a parallel between a Greek tragedy “Alcestis,” and Alicia’s story. Alex brilliantly juggles between these stories and never let any of them hinder the pace. He keeps you intrigued about Alicia’s past and at the same time Theo’s present.
The book though smartly done and keeps you guessing might becomes a little predictable if you pay attention, and the final twist is shocking if you haven’t guessed it already. Some might find this climax a little too familiar.
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The one example that pops into my mind is “Murder of Roger Ackroyd” by Agatha Christie.
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Still, Alex never lets his writing become boring; he keeps the readers hooked to the story and builds the mystery brilliantly without giving too much away.
Alex has done an excellent job for his first novel; his writing is gripping and highly entertaining. He understands human emotions well and can capture them with his pen. You feel the frustration of Alicia and Theo which is an essential element when you are writing a psychological thriller.
If you enjoy a psychological thriller, this is definitely a good read.
My Rating: 
wordsofbookradiant 