Synopsis of “A Silent Patient”
“A Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the mind of Alicia Berenson, a renowned painter who tragically murdered her husband and has since remained silent. Theo Faber, a determined psychotherapist, becomes obsessed with unlocking the secrets behind Alicia's silence, believing he can help her break free from her trauma. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's past, he uncovers a web of dark secrets and shocking revelations that challenge his own sanity.”
My Review of “The Silent Patient”
As someone who is a huge fan is horror/thriller content, I couldn’t help by be drawn into this book. The Silent Patient was all over #BookTok and the constant advertising easily influenced me. Straight away I was drawn into Alicia, a mysterious figure. I also loved the detail of her being a painter. Through her paintings, I caught that small glimpse of her inner turmoil. Then there is Theo, her therapist. He is very obsessed with Alicia and her condition, which makes him a even more interesting character. I was a little conflicted with his character because I did not fully understand why he did certain things, which added layers to his character.
The pacing of the novel is slow yet deliberate. Each cha[ter kept me on the edge of my seat, it was if I was a detective myself looking for evidence. The pacing allowed me to dive into the minds of Theo and Alicia. It’s like peeling back the layer, slowly revealing the heart of the mystery The plot twist comes at the right moments- surprising but not forced. However, the main plot twist was a little lackluster in my opinion. Even though it kept me guessing, once it happened I wish it was a little bit more grander. I was also left with questions about it. Nonetheless, it still had an emotional impact and reaction to the novel.
The main themes of the novel seemed to be mental health and the nature of the truth. As I read, there was the weight of mental illnesses throughout every page. Trauma, grief, and fragility of the human mind are the sub-themes relating to the topic. They are explored with such complexities that made me think about my own perception of mental health. The nature of truth comes in because there were moments in the novel where the line between truth and perception blurs. I was questioning what was real and what was fabricated, this adds to the unsettling nature of the novel.
Michaelides's writing style is both elegant and evocative, creating a chilling atmosphere that pulls me into this dark world. The dual perspective of Alicia and Theo are brilliantly executed., giving me two views of the story. Having two different angles of the story adds depth and complexity.
The Silent Patient is a masterclass in psychological suspense. The intricate plot, compelling characters, and unexpected twists kept me on the edge of my seat. While the ending left me, and other readers, divided, the impact it had on social media was crazy. It will be one of those novels that will make a lasting impression on the book lovers community.
I would give this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
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