Although my initial impression of The Silent Patient was that it was enjoyable, but only good – not amazing, I’m giving this book four and half stars because of the great twist ending. Michaelides definitely crafted a spectacular twist – that has me recommending this book to my husband instead of passing it along.
The Silent Patient was a more original refreshing mental illness suspense novel (to me, anyways), because it is told from the perspective of the therapist instead of the patient. Definitely an interesting move on Michaelides’ part.
Summary:
Alicia Berenson is a famous painter, married to a fashion photographer and living a seemingly idyllic life. That is, until her husband returns home from work late one evening and she shoots him in the face five times – never speaking another word.
Psychotherapist Theo Faber, captivated by her story, is determined to be the one to get her to talk … and to solve the mystery of the “why” behind this silent patient.
Characters:
Without going into too much detail on any of the characters to avoid spoilers, I will say that the characters were believable. I could easily imagine them in their designated roles, and they came to life from the page.
In fact, it was a confusing transition … spending the day reading The Silent Patient to the real world upon finishing. It was just one of those novels that is hard to separate yourself from.
Decisions, Decisions:
Despite my original consideration to rate lower (prior to actually finishing the novel), I finished this book in one day. It wasn’t your typical edge-of-your-seat thriller – more a slow, suspenseful build. I had to know what happened next.
Thus, Michaelides kept me reading until the end.
Honestly, though, I would read this book again just for the twist – even knowing how it works out, it would be so interesting to read knowing what is going to happen.
Recommendation:
I would recommend this novel to those who love reading about mental illness, especially from a therapist’s standpoint. Also to those who enjoy suspense, and unexpected twist endings.
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
[…] you read and enjoy Nyxia? If it’s the unexpected twist that caught your attention, try The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. Although a different kind of tale than the one Reintgen crafted, with expanding horizons […]