
The Silent Patient Book Review ~ Suspense in the Psych Ward

by Alex Michaelides
London, present time, Psychological Thriller
Book Review
“No crazy parts allowed.” The Silent Patient is visceral. Michaelides is extremely descriptive and yet clean, using no unnecessary fluff words. He took his time rolling the story out but it didn’t feel slow; I was never bored or easily distracted from the book. It just felt as if he purposefully immersed the reader into the minds of Theo and Alysia. At first, I had no interest in Theo’s story. I just wanted more of Alysia. but then I started getting hooked on Theo’s psychotherapeutic interpretations of the other characters. No spoilers but The “Twist” that hyped this book and is in every review……. it is real!!
Alicia killed her husband and hasn’t spoken a word in the 6 years since. A silent spectator in the psych ward, her only form of communication is painting. Psychotherapist Theo Faber is determined to treat Alicia, but how far is he willing to go?
There’s a reason this one is still in the most read books lists!

Nerdy Fact
Michaelides is actually a screen writer. Does this mean The Silent Patient could be heading to the big screen??
Audiobook Review
Narrated by Jack Hawkins and Louise Brealey. Hawkins is fitting as the dry statistical forensic psychotherapist, Theo. Brealey has much less of a role, but plays her part well. Alicia’s anguish and droll sense of humor come through perfectly. Both narrators do a great job with the Latvian and Greek accents. I thought the book benefited from listening to the audio.
RECIPE
Mulled Chardonnay

Alex Michaelides, The Silent Patient.Mulled Chardonnay

