When I first picked up Alex Michaelides’ bestseller I wasn’t sure what to expect. I hadn’t read any reviews and had only seen it on the bestsellers list and decided to dive in blind. For anyone considering this as their next story to dive into I would recommend jumping in just as I did and let the book surprise you. This is a book that is full of surprising twists and turns behind every page and will hold your attention throughout.
The Silent patient follows the story of Alicia Berenson as told through the point-of-view of our protagonist Theo Faber. I want to avoid talking about story beats too much because I really do believe the draw of this book is going in knowing nothing about it. I will say the story is a thriller/murder mystery that is done well and leave it at that.
One of the things that stuck out to me was the way Michaelides delivered this story. The book is split into 4 parts during which the story shifts perspectives between Theo’s story as a psychotherapist and diary entries from Alicia. This change in both tone and writing style keeps the story fresh throughout and lets you see different aspects of the story.
I don’t think this is a book that’s a must read but I can see why it’s a bestseller. I enjoyed the story I was told and got completely hooked by the second half (which I finished in one night because I couldn’t bring myself to put it down). I recommend this book to someone looking for a page turning thriller that you won’t want to put down.
Books and Pixels 