“The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
OFF THE SHELF
“The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
This month’s book is a compelling psychological thriller that initially drew us in. We felt that the opening half of the novel was particularly strong and well-written. Alicia Berenson’s silence, following the shocking murder of her husband, is a powerful narrative hook, and the gradual uncovering of her past through diary entries is both effective and absorbing.
Theo Faber, the psychotherapist determined to treat Alicia, is an engaging narrator at first. His professional curiosity and persistence appear believable, and the clinical setting of The Grove adds an intriguing backdrop. However, as the story progresses, some of the psychological elements begin to stretch credibility—particularly in relation to boundaries within the therapeutic relationship. Theo’s level of personal involvement with Alicia, and the lack of oversight from colleagues, raised ethical questions that are difficult to ignore.
The novel’s twist ending, while clearly designed to be shocking, felt abrupt and somewhat far-fetched. Rather than a satisfying culmination of the psychological tension, the final revelation relied heavily on coincidence and narrative sleight of hand, which left us questioning its plausibility.
Overall, we rated this as an engaging and well-written thriller that excels in its first half but loses some of its credibility towards the end. It was let down by an implausible conclusion and ethical concerns within the storyline.
Rating: 7/10