Book Review: The Silent Patient | Alex Michaelides

Darkly compelling and with a twist that will shock you!

This is a top contender for best psychological thriller in my book—I absolutely am blown away that The Silent Patient is a debut novel for Alex Michaelides. When an act of unspeakable violence leads the main culprit to fall completely silent, everyone assumes that it’s an act. But years later, she still hasn’t spoken a word. With skilled writing and narrative structure and a standout twist, this is sure to be a must-read for 2019. Outstanding!!! A book I want to read again, even knowing the twists!

About the Book

Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word.

Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London.

Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations—a search for the truth that threatens to consume him….

Reflection

A silent siren, that is how chief psychologist Diomedes refers to Alicia Berenson. A woman who was once so vibrant, she could bring energy to any situation now sits completely mute and subdued. But in a way, this contrast makes her even more attractive. Theo thinks he can help Alicia, just as many psychologists before him have tried. But Theo is sure he can be the one. Theo himself comes from damage. He knows what it is like, and he knows how the right person can bring someone back to life.

Alicia was certainly the silent siren to me as the reader as well! I loved the way Michaelides described the feelings Alicia was able to convey through her eyes, even while silent and motionless. There’s still a person in there with fire inside, but outwardly she has turned to stone.

Steeped in a fascinating Greek tragedy that I hadn’t previously heard of, this story is dark and addictive. I could scarcely put the book down! I loved the particular tragedy that was used as the catalyst and sort of allegory for the broader story. I won’t even tell you which Greek tragedy though, because I don’t want it to spoil anything! You’ll have to read to find out. But suffice it to say, it gave me a lot to think about as I read. It’s perfect, the way it melds with the story!

Theo is like this child that was left forgotten at after school pickup. He’s so sweet and caring, but also sort of brushed aside. He is incredibly damaged and not without flaws. But he is also so grateful for the kindness of others. You sort of just want to give him a hug! But don’t let any of that fool you into thinking he doesn’t know how to help Alicia. He might be just the person that can get through to her!

I was really captivated by the setting around therapy. Throw in a good discussion of countertransference any day and I’m a happy PhDiva (in psychology, no less!). The setting and the primary characters being artists and psychologists really added a rich context to the story. The introspection was spot on. Both professions are ones where the search for meaning in the ambiguous are prominent. I’d imagine most readers will be complete fascinated by the discussions of what is meant and what is being conveyed by the characters and the artwork.

I don’t want to say much more, because I don’t want to spoil this book. But I highly encourage any psychological thriller fan to add this to their list! I received a copy from the publisher, but then purchased a copy as well, because I wanted to have a hardcover. That is how much I loved it!

Enjoy!