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The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: A Book Review
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Alex Michaelides' debut novel "The Silent Patient" has captivated readers with its gripping psychological thriller plot, centering on a woman who refuses to speak after allegedly murdering her husband. The book has garnered widespread acclaim, winning the 2019 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Mystery & Thriller, though opinions on its twist ending and overall execution remain divided among critics and readers alike.
What's 'The Silent Patient' About?
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Alex Michaelides' debut novel "The Silent Patient" follows the story of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who murders her husband and then falls silent, refusing to speak a word. The narrative is primarily driven by Theo Faber, a psychotherapist determined to uncover the truth behind Alicia's actions. Set in a psychiatric facility called The Grove, the plot unfolds through Theo's perspective as he delves into Alicia's past, her relationships, and her art. The story is punctuated by entries from Alicia's diary, offering glimpses into her state of mind before the murder. As Theo investigates, he uncovers dark secrets, including Alicia's traumatic childhood experiences and suspicious circumstances surrounding her husband's death. The novel builds tension through its exploration of psychological themes, culminating in a shocking twist that redefines the entire narrative
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About The Author: Who is Alex Michaelides?
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Alex Michaelides, born and raised in Cyprus, is a bestselling British-Cypriot author and screenwriter. He holds an M.A. in English Literature from Trinity College, Cambridge University, and an M.A. in Screenwriting from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles
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. Michaelides' debut novel, "The Silent Patient," became an instant success, debuting at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and selling over 6.5 million copies worldwide3
. His background in psychotherapy, including three years of study and two years working in a secure unit for young adults, provided inspiration for his psychological thrillers3
. Michaelides' second novel, "The Maidens," also became a New York Times bestseller, further establishing his reputation in the genre1
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The Silent Patient Reviews (Videos)
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What Readers Are Saying About 'The Silent Patient'
Alex Michaelides' debut novel "The Silent Patient" has garnered mixed reviews from readers, with many praising its gripping plot and unexpected twist, while others critique its character development and pacing. Here's a summary of the main pros and cons mentioned by readers:
Many readers found the novel to be a sly, hypnotic character study with a stellar twist
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compelling mystery and plot twists | Some found the characters underdeveloped |
| Engaging exploration of psychology | Pacing issues, particularly in the middle |
| Immersive and hypnotic writing style | Lack of credibility in the narrator's professional conduct |
| Effective use of art as a storytelling device | Predictability for some experienced thriller readers |
| Satisfying and shocking ending | Occasional unrealistic plot elements |
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. However, some critics felt the narrator lacked credibility as a psychotherapist and found aspects of the plot unrealistic2
. Despite these criticisms, the book's popularity and commercial success suggest that for many readers, the pros outweighed the cons3
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The Silent Patient: Awards and Accolades
Alex Michaelides' debut novel "The Silent Patient" has received significant recognition and accolades since its publication. Here's a summary of its major awards and honors:
The novel's success extends beyond awards, with over 6.5 million copies sold worldwide
| Award/Honor | Details |
|---|---|
| Goodreads Choice Award | Won in the Mystery and Thriller category (2019) 1 |
| New York Times Bestseller | Debuted at #1 on the list 2 3 |
| Sunday Times Bestseller | Remained in the top 10 for seven weeks 3 |
| Amazon.com | #2 most sold book in fiction for 2019, #1 thriller of 2019 3 |
| Richard & Judy Book Club | Selected as a pick 3 |
| The Times | Chosen as Book of the Month 3 |
| Barry Award | Shortlisted for Best First Novel 3 |
| Barnes and Noble | Shortlisted for Book of the Year 3 |
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. Its rights have been sold in 51 countries, and it has been optioned for film adaptation by Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B2
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. This impressive array of accolades and commercial success firmly establishes "The Silent Patient" as a standout debut in the psychological thriller genre.3 sources
Psychological Thriller Debut (Photos)
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The Silent Patient Novel
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The Silent Patient - Paperback
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The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
$17.99
The Silent Patient - Paperback
$17.99
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a psychological thriller that has received mixed reviews from readers. Many found it gripping and enjoyed the twist ending, while others felt the pacing was slow and the characters underdeveloped. The story follows a psychotherapist trying to uncover why a woman murdered her husband and then stopped speaking. While praised for its intriguing premise and shocking reveal, some readers found issues with the plot's believability and psychological aspects.
Buy this if you enjoy psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators and shocking twists, and don't mind a slower-paced story that builds to an explosive ending
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Key Features, Reviewed By
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
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The Silent Patient is a gripping psychological thriller that captivates readers with its intriguing premise and shocking twist ending. While some found the pacing slow at times, most reviewers praised the clever plot construction and compelling mystery surrounding Alicia Berenson's silence. The novel's exploration of therapy, trauma, and obsession resonated with many readers, though opinions were mixed on the main character Theo.
Buy this if you enjoy clever psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators and shocking twists that make you rethink everything you've read
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Closing Thoughts on 'The Silent Patient'
goodreads.com
Alex Michaelides' "The Silent Patient" has been hailed as a perfect thriller, blending Hitchcockian suspense with a gripping narrative that keeps readers on edge.
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The bestselling author crafts a tale of domestic tragedy that evolves into a complex psychological puzzle, drawing readers in with its real suspense and unexpected twists.3
Michaelides, an amazing author in his debut, skillfully portrays the actions of characters, particularly the criminal psychotherapist Theo Faber, whose determination to unravel Alicia's silence through individual therapy drives the plot forward.2
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The novel's exploration of psychological themes and its attention to the intricacies of the human mind have earned it comparisons to classic suspense literature, solidifying its place as a standout in the genre.3
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Related
How does the book's Hitchcockian suspense compare to other thrillers
What makes Theo Faber a compelling character
How does Alicia's artwork contribute to the story
What are the key elements that make "The Silent Patient" a perfect thriller
How does the author use individual therapy to build suspense
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