Book Review
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The first sentence in this crime novel is straightforward: "Alicia Berenson was thirty-three years old when she killed her husband.” Even though we know who dunnit it turns out to be a fast paced thriller with unexpected twists and the ending doesn’t disappoint. I couldn’t put it down and it makes a perfect summer read.
Alicia, who stops speaking and offers no explanation, is convicted of her husband’s murder and committed to a psychiatric ward.
Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who is keen to work with Alicia and unravel her motives. He too, we discover has seen a therapist over the course of many years prior to treating Alicia.
Alicia was a well-known artist and awaiting trial she paints a self-portrait entitled, Alcestis. Alcestis was a princess in Greek mythology who sacrificed her life to save her husband. This Greek legend plays an important part in the novel.
As does Alicia’s diary.
Overall this book has a good plot and I found it to be a worthwhile read.
Keep an eye out at the movies as this debut novel is going to be made into a feature film.
