Have you ever seen a game of cards which is nothing but a battle of wills where the two players seem nonchalant, but there is this edge in their attitude, just a sliver, which tells you that something is just about to happen?!! And something does happen, one of the players folds, just surrenders!! What does one do then? Believe it to be true and end the game or look underneath this sleight of hand and get to the real truth??
Alex Michaelides, in his debut, has played this chilling hand of surrender making me read and scrutinize every line of the story to try to detect and unveil the hidden truth. And boy!! Was I wrong!!
The concept is pretty brilliant; Alicia a famous painter, ties her husband to the chair and shoots him 5 times, then paints an enigmatic picture and becomes a silent patient forever. Enter this earnest psychologist, Theo, who is kind of obsessed with unlocking her past and getting to the motive, wanting to make Alicia to talk again.
Then comes the game play between these two players and suddenly Alicia talks... What is the truth or is she pretending? Why did she kill her husband or did someone else? Who is the mysterious stranger or is it her paranoia? Hint – Read the book to get to the answers.
The whole book is a series of layers, some intermingling and others hidden. There are clues and red herrings present to sway the suspicions and to speak the truth. There are so many unfathomable characters, each worse than the other. There are a few niggles, the prose can be slightly tightened and some scenes seem implausible in mid story.
But the author then plays his last game, a full flush, which just slid the rug from underneath my feet, sideswiping me till I could do nothing but give in to the exhilaration of the freefall, the sheer pleasure and shock of reaching the truth, the careful way the ends are tied made me go back in my mind, right to the very beginning where it all began. Twisted is all I can say!!!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Orion, and this is my honest, straight from the heart opinion.
Alex Michaelides was born in Cyprus to a Greek-Cypriot father and English mother. He read English at Cambridge University and received a MA in screenwriting from the American Film Institute. He wrote the film Devil You Know, starring Rosamund Pike, and co-wrote The Con is On, starring Uma Thurman and Tim Roth. The Silent Patient is his first novel.
ALICIA
Alicia Berenson writes a diary as a release, an outlet – and to prove to her beloved husband that everything is fine. She can’t bear the thought of worrying Gabriel, or causing him pain.
Until, late one evening, Alicia shoots Gabriel five times and then never speaks another word.
THEO
Forensic psychotherapist Theo Faber is convinced he can successfully treat Alicia, where all others have failed. Obsessed with investigating her crime, his discoveries suggest Alicia’s silence goes far deeper than he first thought.
And if she speaks, would he want to hear the truth?
Publication date : 7th February 2019
Publisher : Orion Books
48 Responses
Great review. It’s a brilliant book, I really enjoyed it
I started reading it after reading your review
Another amazingly beautiful review !!
Thank you so much
Pleasure always for beautiful reviews ☺️☺️
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Fantastic review Shalini! Sounds wonderful! 💜
Thanks Lindsey this was great
I have a copy waiting on my shelf but this was a good review!
Yayyy thanks… I hope you enjoy this
It sounded good! But just shooting her husband for no reason—-at this point there isn’t a reason— but there had to be a reason. I seen your review and wanted to see what you thought of it. Now I have to read it. Heard good things about it.
Read it… It goes deep into the psyche and dark thrill
I love a twisted thriller! Terrific review, Shalini!
Thank you Jennifer 💕
Wonderful review!! I’m reading this one soon. OK I know I often say this but I really plan to read it as my next novel :-). I can’t wait to find out!
Read it.. You will be thrilled 💕💕
thinking of giving this a try!
Read it.. It is quite a different story
Reblogged this on Angie Dokos.
Yayyy 🎉💃🎊
Wow! This sounds so good, adding to my TBR list. Great review!
Thank you… It was really good and different
You’re welcome😊
I wants it!
You gets it on NG… It is still on… They want more reviews
I loved this book. 🙂
Oooh I loved it too… I was a fun read
Yes, super review! Something I can definitely use to dull the cozies and get me back on track. Thank you!
This is fab… It is still on NG if interested…
Sounds like a crazy mystery. I might like this.
Oooh Jen you will definitely like this, it is up your alley… It is on NG… They are looking for reviews I think
What a beautiful review Shalini! This sounds like my kind of book.🤗
I am sure you would love it Kim.
How are you?
I’m stuck in pending on NetGalley.😞
I’m getting there Shalini. I’m just finding this exhaustion and lack of energy frustrating.🙇🏻♀️
It takes time after pneumonia, be patient. Your body is really doing the best. It takes 3 months and more… But you will be okay..
Thanks my friend.🤗
I somehow missed this one yesterday, but I see it now! Ooh, do I see it now! LOL. This sounds so good. Love, love your review! Thanks for sharing, Shalini. Have a great rest of the week. 🙂
Yayy this was a great read quite different too
Talk about twisty turny… glad you liked it for the most part.
Ooooh this was great… One of my good reads
Oh wow, excellent review Shalini! I love how you equated the plot-line to the game of cards. I am definitely intrigued. Glad you enjoyed this one so much!
Oooh this was really good… Read it. It’s available on NG they want reviews I think
Love dark thrill and twisted ending. And I love your review too. So I’m adding this book to my list. Thanks.
This was really a fab read… I enjoyed it A LOT
Can’t wait to read it too… On my Christmas break.
What an amazing review Shalini. I absolutely love the way you introduced this book to us. You know I have to find it now.
Oh yes this is a fabulous read… I enjoyed it thoroughly….