City News

This book review will be on “Silent Patient” which is a psychological thriller novel written by author Alex Michaelides. Around 94% of readers liked this book, and the story has an audiobook version that many enjoy as well. Now The Silent Patient is a paranoid nightmare of a novel which is why I would refrain kids under 11 from reading it. Mature teens, mostly around 13 and up could potentially enjoy this sort of story.

Let’s introduce the two main characters, Alicia Berenson and Theo Faber. Alicia is properly introduced in the very beginning of the story; the first pages are those she supposedly wrote in her journal. Alicia Berenson was a famous painter who is held guilty for the murder of her husband, photographer Gabriel Berenson. Though it seems like an ordinary case, Alicia refuses to speak since the day of the murder, not explaining the true reason why she did it. Because of this, she was put into psychological therapy.

Our next main character, Theo Faber, a forensic psychotherapist with a strong interest in the case of Gabriel Berensons murder. Theo,shortly in the book, applies for a position at the Grove which is where Alicia is kept for her therapy sessions. Although she remained mute for most of the story, Theo was determined to find a way to know the truth behind the mask. Alicia even trusted him enough towards the end to give him her own diary.

When I read this, I was really into some parts, and then there was always some question in each chapter I would constantly look for the answer to. For me, it really piqued my interest and when I finished it, I was surprisingly shocked. The ending had a huge twist at the end making the story a little more confusing but at the same time, better because I believe plot twists are a main essential in a good book. I really liked how the author kept Alicia mute throughout the whole story making the reader want to finish the book so they can figure out why. What I didn’t like however was how hyped the book was, I actually wanted Theo to get fired throughout the whole thing and I never got invested enough in the red herrings to feel like there was a plot moving along.

Would I recommend this to other teen readers? Sure, I think those who enjoy thriller novels such as this one would really like this. In my opinion, it was a great plot but the story just wasn't for me how they worded it. In conclusion, I had mixed feelings about this one. I would recommend this book but there are other stories that are better written in this genre.

Check out Silent Patient from the Newport Beach Public Library!