“The Silent Patient” is a psychological thriller book written by Alex Michaelides. The story revolves around Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who is accused of murdering her husband Gabriel, a renowned photographer.
The book begins with Alicia being arrested and taken to a psychiatric hospital, where she remains silent, refusing to talk about the crime she has committed. Theo Faber, a criminal therapist obsessed with Alicia’s case, gets a spot at the hospital and begins treating her, hoping to find out what drove her to commit the murder.
Theo delves deep into Alicia’s life and discovers that she has been diagnosed with multiple personality disorder, which makes her story even more complex. Gradually, Theo begins to unravel the secrets of Alicia’s past, including her troubled relationship with Gabriel and the emotions that drove her to commit the crime.
The book is full of twists and surprises, with an engaging plot that keeps the reader hooked until the end. Michaelides uses a non-linear narrative, alternating between the present, where Theo tries to treat Alicia, and the past, showing the couple’s turbulent relationship before the crime.
In addition to the plot, the book also touches on interesting topics such as the nature of art and the influence of psychology on criminal justice. Michaelides also explores issues of identity, trauma and the complexity of being human.
In summary, “The silent patient” is an engaging psychological thriller, with complex characters and a plot full of twists. Michaelides’ writing is captivating and the story holds the reader until the end, leaving you with reflections on the nature of the human mind and the influence of the past on our actions.
