Publication Info
The Silent Patient is a psychological thriller novel written by Alex Michaelides. It was published on February 5, 2019, by Celadon Books, a sub-division of Macmillan Publishers. This novel is Michaelides' debut novel and was released to critical acclaim and commercial success. This book was so heavily anticipated that the audiobook was released the same day as the book, which is not common. The book was nominated for Barnes and Noble Best New Book of the Year award, the Amazon.com Best Books of the Year award, won the Goodreads Choice Awards Best Mystery & Thriller award in 2019, and was a #1 New York Times Bestseller
Brief Summary
Alicia Berenson is living the perfect life. Or at least, everyone thinks so. Being a famous painter married to a successful fashion photographer seems like it would be anyone's dream life. She lives in a beautiful house, in one of London's nicer districts and wants for nothing physically. However, things are not always as perfect as they seem. One night Alicia's husband leaves for a photoshoot and is away longer than usual. When he comes home that evening after a long day. Alicia shoots him five times in the 5 and never speaks another word to anyone.
Because she has chosen to remain silent, this somewhat typical story of domestic violence becomes something more, a modern-day legend. She becomes the talk of London. Her face is on every tabloid, the price of her art rises, but she is hidden away in a facility called the Grove.
Years later Theo Faber, a psychotherapist, is hired at the Grove to fill a spot needed in the staff. However, it is no coincidence that Theo finds himself at the Grove. He has waited a long time to get close to Alicia. He is fascinated with her, infatuated with her. He desires to help her and get her to talk after all of these years. However, Theo quickly finds himself traveling down a dangerous road, one that might just consume him in the end.
Review
Okay, allow me to start by saying, the ending of this book is very good. I kept thinking of different ways that this book could end, and this version never even crossed my mind. For that, I really applaud this book. Typically, I am the person that can see plot twists coming from a mile away, and I really enjoyed the fact that I did not with this book. However, I cannot say that I share this same feeling with the rest of the book.
There are many that think this book is a modern classic, and I almost agree with them; however, the ending is truly the only part of this book that I enjoyed. While the book is very well written and does a good job of keeping the reader engaged, I often felt myself struggling to continue reading. I think that this is partly due to the fact that this book is fairly slow-paced. There is a lot that happens within the pages of this book, but it takes a long time for any of it to happen.
I do believe that this book is one that avid readers will enjoy. Unfortunately, I do not think that many casual readers will stick around to the end to enjoy the full story. I will say this though, being that this is Michaelides' debut novel, I am very excited to see where he can go, and what he can put out from here.
Recommendations
As I said above, I do believe that there are many who will enjoy this book. For those of you who are fans of psychological thrillers, this book is right up your alley. Likewise, if you like to be kept guessing throughout the book and enjoy a good twist, then this book is also for you. While this book is not the best book I have ever read, I do believe that it is quite enjoyable and will leave most readers with their jaws open in surprise.
Rating - 3/5
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Inland by Tea Obreht
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