Inevitably, the injured mental state of these characters leads to their brutal behaviors. Throughout the book, Amy and Nick remain locked in a struggle to control their rapidly unfolding story, and as a reader, you will find yourself questioning the reliability of both narratorsas well as various other creepy characters lurking in the shadows! If you liked The Wife Between Us, for example, you might like this book. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is one of the best thriller books of recent years, and with so many twists and turns and a charming unreliable narrator, it also makes for the perfect book club pick! How does theo knw where alicia keeps her fun or if she has one.. when he comes as a masked intrudee. Families can talk about dystopian movies. This can be distressing for both you and your loved one. What does it signify? The book ends with the police having found her diary and showing up at Theo's house (to ask him about it and presumably to arrest him). She made the papers for murdering her husband, and then refusing the utter a single word in her defenseor any other words at all, for that matter. Alex Michaelides' debut psychological thriller, The Silent Patient, tracks one woman's act of violence against her husbandand of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive. Earlier in the book he talks about how he associates snow with grasping at happiness and how snow wipes everything clean, so I think its a way of saying that theres some sense of relief at his secret being found out? Alicia Berenson's life is seemingly perfect. So am very thankful for your in debt review! If you found yourself dissatisfied with Alicias resignation to her fate, you will be cheering for Lisbeth as she dares to take full control of her story and delivers darkly poetic justice to her would-be oppressors. Flashback of a car accident that left one of the lead characters with hearing loss. Complete your free account to request a guide. I still confused. One day, when Michaelides was chatting with Uma Thurman about the plot of his new book, the movie star asked him what the character of Alicia did for a living. So, Im not sure this is fully explained in the book (someone feel free to correct me if Im wrong). Overall, the cast rescues a script that feels not quite there. If the movie ends up getting made, I bet itll be really good. Its not clear how exactly he knows where it is or how to find it. It was a page turner that I read really fast which is good since Im busy and dont have tons of time to read. Did you think it was a positive place for some of the patients, or a prison? Love is deep and calmand constant." (The Silent Patient Quotes) She was one of the famous painters of the united kingdom she maintains her lifestyle on a very high level. Complete Short Database Management Task (MORGAN), by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven D. Levitt. Christian didn't tell anyone because it had been an unlicensed practice. ALICIA BERENSON'S DIARY. However, when he realizes that she has figured out who he is, he has to kill her. However, from that story, Theo realizes that Alicia does recognize him as the masked intruder who tied them up. Keep reading if youve read the book, but have questions! The way the content is organized, A concise biography of Alex Michaelides plus historical and literary context for, In-depth summary and analysis of every chapter of, Explanations, analysis, and visualizations of, Michaelides was born in Cyprus to a British mother and a Greek Cypriot father; he was raised at the height of the conflict known as the Cyprus Problem, in which the Turkish government occupied the northern part of Cyprus. What do you think about the weather. Teachers and parents! His debut book The Silent Patient won many awards in this book. She then kisses him. His debut book The Silent Patient won many awards in this book. Which he eventually found out(about her father saying Alicia would have died instead of her mother.He had killed Alicia , just like what happened with Alcestis). Im hopeful the movie will be really good and gone girl-esque, though it might take a while for it to come out. The Silent Patient: Plot Summary He was found bound to a chair with gunshot wounds to his face, and she was convicted soon thereafter. If not, what keeps them together? Doctor, heal thyself, seems to be the overarching theme of this new, incredibly sly psychological thriller. This leads Theo to learn more about Alicia's prior trauma (after her mother's suicide, Alicia father wished Alicia had died instead). Do you think this claim is sincere? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Did Alicia ever feel like a fully developed character to you, or was she only ever seen as someone that other people (men) wanted to influence or control? (1) to parallel the novels heroine & events with those of the play Alcestis, and Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Where one book closes, another opens! Fantastic thorough review! . How do you feel about the painting Alcestis being exhibited publicly? Who did you trust in this book, if anyone? If your book club is looking for more thrillers, you can check out our guides for A Flicker in the Dark, Into the Water, The Last Thing He Told Me and The Guest List. What do you think is the appeal of these movies? Our Teacher Edition on The Silent Patient can help. Then he strangles her to death. 22 . Does theo also kill the agent in the end, and end up silent at a facility? For the full summary of The Silent Patient, see the Detailed Plot Summary. July. Meanwhile, the Andrews family of Montclair, New Jersey live a more-or-less normal suburban existence; the father, Hugh (Stanley Tucci), runs a construction business with his best friend Glenn (John Corbett), the mother, Kelly, is taking care of her dying mother while raising their video game-obsessed tween son Jude and deaf teen daughter Ally (Kiernan Shipka). Great review! Ive had this nagging question since reading this book that I cant seem to come to a conclusion about: Why would Alicia give Theo her journal? Discuss what Alicia meant by saying that both her husband and her father killed her. Theos own personal life is laid bare too, and hes also a very complex character indeed not unlike Alicia. Its not easy for an author to write a different thriller. Im excited to see how itll play out on screen, and I think Ill skip the book, so I can be fresh with suspense when I watch the film. PHANTOM IN THE FOG. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. Hi, Ive updated the post to answer your question! It then says he stretches out again to catch some moreto me that suggested he had thrown himself out of the window in a suicide bid. Uma Epiphany. Everything you need The parents' guide to what's in this movie. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of Londons most desirable areas. The big twist is when you realize that they are two different timelines (one before the murder, the other after) being told at once, and Theo was the masked man that prompted the murder (though Alicia is the one who actually did it). Seperate from her art gallery and it seemed she was dying quite quickly as she was writing these events. Share The Silent Patient discussion guide on Pinterest: Authored by Mallory MilesMallory Miles is a biologist for the US Forest Service and an avid reader since childhood. After reading the Alicias diary outlines her murder confession. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. :) Thanks for dropping by! and thanks for dropping by! Check out the Silent Patient on Amazon. I have read the novel. Hi Sophia, thank you! Thanks! And very well known publisher good reads nominate this book for the best debut book of 2019 and also nominated for good reads choice awards for mystery and thriller. Circe. We are Forensic Psychologists. Earlier in the book he talks about how he associates snow with grasping at happiness and how snow wipes everything clean, so I think its a way of saying that theres some sense of relief at his secret being found out? The silent patient is the debut book of Alex Michaelides. In Part V, we learn the real story from Alicia's diary. However, many deaf actors have taken exception to Shipka's performance and director John Leonetti saying that Shipka had an "almost innate sense of what it's like being a deaf person." Dark, edgy, and compulsively readable.--Library Journal. I know throughout the story people are like oh its going to snow tonight and it never did. Do you think Theos therapist failed him or that he failed his therapist? What happened to theo in the end? Biography [ edit] Michaelides was born in Cyprus to a Cypriot father and English mother. The way that it plays out in present day is that after many months of therapy, Alicia finally talks. Im fine now after reading your review and spoilers thanks! Alicia Berenson and Theo Faber is the main character of the silent patient. I think your review managed to change my mind though. Your email address will not be published. He was born in Cyprus he completes his study in English literature. Its boring if seen from the perspective of high drama. Theo tied Gabriel and Alicia up, exposed him as a cheater, and told Gabriel to choose which one of them he should kill. The Silent Patient Kindle Edition by Alex Michaelides (Author) Format: Kindle Edition 190,927 ratings Editors' pick Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense See all formats and editions Kindle $12.99 Read with Our Free App Audiobook $0.00 Free with your Audible trial **THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** Im going to go with that one. . I appreciate your thoughts and will probably wait for the movie. Studypool is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university. Basically, do you have any ideas as to why did Alicias trauma manifested itself as muteness? Okay, this is the quick and dirty version. Her enduring silence turned this story from a commonplace domestic tragedy into something far grander: a mystery, an enigma that gripped the headlines and captured the public imagination for months to come. I have been very hesitant about picking up this one even as a potential read but now I kinda have an idea what to expect with this one. Dont read beyond this point if you havent read the book! I guessed the plot of The Wife Between Us but this book was a slap on my face lol . Gabriel chose Alicia, but instead Theo simply untied Alicia, and left. Thankyou again for helping me let go! Although, how much does the fact that there are so many thrillers that we become desensitised to the shocking reveal? In The Silent Patient, a well known artist, Alicia Berenson, has been in a psychiatric hospital for years after she shoots her husband and has not spoken a word since. The silent patient term is using for Alicia Berensons in this story. Discuss the setting of The Grove. The Silent Patient is the bestselling psychological thriller book in which a woman named Alicia murders her husband, then becomes completely silent through psychological treatment, in which her doctor, Theo, is obsessed with uncovering her motive. THE SILENT PATIENT is the gripping must-read thriller of the year - perfect for fans of THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS by Lisa Jewell, BLOOD ORANGE by Harriet Tyce and PLAYING NICE by JP Delaney. Fears she has inherited her mother's mental health issues, as her mom attempted suicide with Alicia in the car. Theo Faber - A 42 year old forensic psychotherapist who accepts a job at the Grove hoping to treat Alicia. . Most of those red herrings are left unresolved. I understood the literary purposes for Alicias silence- namely: Where do you envision the characters ending up? Why did Theo spend so much time talking to Jean-Felix, Paul, Max ect to try and solve the crime if he already knew what happened? Read the first pages of The Silent Patient, See Everything We Know About the 'The Silent Patient' Adaptation, 20 Best Book Club Books for 2022 (New & Anticipated), Best Mystery & Thriller Books for 2022 (New & Anticipated), 20 Best Books with Asian American Protagonists (for Adults), Persephone by Madeline Miller: What We Know, Books to Movies & TV in 2022: 25+ Adaptations Coming Soon, Your email address will not be published. Why did Theo tell everyone that Alicia didnt overdose herself, instead murder was attempted on her? It spent more than a year on the New York Times bestseller list and sold in a record-breaking forty-nine countries. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. thanks for reading! As a result, he injects her with something to force her to overdose, and it puts her in a coma. The genre of this book is Novel, mystery, thriller, suspense, psychological thriller. The Silent Patient is a book written by Alex Michaelides. (We wouldnt blame you!) Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. Part 2. Im U.S.-based (and dont really know anything about the field) but based on some other facts presented in the book, its pretty clear he wasnt trying to be all that accurate on the medical side of things unfortunately :(. (We always chose to provide the publisher synopsis because we feel that its worthwhile to discuss whether the official book description actually squared with your experience of the book.). The successful debut novel was published by Celadon Books, a division of Macmillan Publishers, on 5 February 2019. Great review! I feel like there may be some 3rd (psycholigical?) i am not much a reader and this book had my nose shoved in it for three days straight so i could finish it. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. I have a question, why did Alicia paint her and Theo running out of the burning hospital? Gabriel is a renowned photographer, while his wife Alicia is an upcoming painter. Won bestseller of new York times and also won the best seller book on Amazon. Alex Michaelides (Author of The Silent Patient) "About love. Did you gravitate to one story over the other? And Jean owns the gallery Alicia's art was in, but she had been planning on switching galleries.) thanks for letting me know it was useful to you, I appreciate it! Adding in yet another rich layer is the unique and quite interesting mythological parallel woven into the story., I had so many questions about what was happening and what had happened with both Alicia and Theo. Meanwhile, Theo discovers his wife Kathy is cheating on him. Required fields are marked *. does that means theo eventually showed off his face? Compare and contrast Theo with his coworkers. Do you think he was a good therapist, his preoccupation with Alicia notwithstanding? What happened when police confront theo?? Hi Cc08, Theo goes because he feels badly about what happened and genuinely wanted to help her. THE SILENT PATIENT is the gripping must-read thriller of the year - perfect for fans of THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS by Lisa Jewell, BLOOD ORANGE by Harriet Tyce and PLAYING NICE by JP Delaney. 14. th. Alicia and her neighbor had also noticed a man (Alicia had suspected Max or Jean) hanging outside her house in the time prior to Gabriel's death. Given the fantastic reputation of the studios developing it, anyone who is not a fan of a genre should probably just watch to movie when it comes out. I think its meant to be ambiguous, but seems to hint at a vaguely positive ending. Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Alex Michaelides's The Silent Patient. In essence, she was giving away the only evidence she had. Hi! This is a very good review. Alicia Berenson's life is. 33 Begin Reading Table of Contents About the Author Copyright Page The author and publisher have provided this e-book to you for your personal use only. The second timeline is what happens afterwards. Next, weve provided 10 The Silent Patient book club questions you can pick apart with your friends. As the father, Stanley Tucci strikes a nice balance between a loving parent and a guy trying to get in touch with his brave side. That's not true. Provide details on what you need help with along with a budget and time limit. Theo then tracks down the other man (Gabriel), who turns out to be married to Alicia. If this summary was useful to you, please consider supporting this site by leaving a tip ($2, $3, or $5) or joining the Patreon! Learn more and sign up now! My reason for coming here is to understand the plot. Theo is the mysterious man Alicia had seen hanging around the house and who showed up the night of Gabriel's death). While this movie is based on a 2015 novel, it's impossible to find fault with those who see the many similarities between this movie and 2017's A Quiet Place. How did the setting influence the mood of the entire book? Every edition has a different page count. What people are saying - Write a review. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The Silent Patient. The main aspect of this part revolves around Alicias diary, which reveals that she was being watched. And thanks for letting me know! The emotions Alicia had when she shot her husband were originated with events of the distant past , with abuse and mistreatment at a young age. If you enjoyed the enigmatic character of Alicia Berenson in The Silent Patient, you will be sucked in by Gone Girls Amy Dunne. Whay has no one picked up on thos fatal flaw. As the teen daughter, Kiernan Shipka doesn't limit or define her character as strictly being a deaf teen, but as a character who has spent and continues to spend her life adapting to daunting challenges. Copyright 2014. the arrogant doctor who gets in the way! Shortly before he is arrested, Theo reflects that no therapist ever had a better shot at (healing someone) than Ruth and wonders if his immoral behavior disproves the effectiveness of talk therapy. I am just curious. If you wanted to shake your book club up with a psychological thriller that will keep you reading late into the night, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides was the choice for you. Thanks for your thoughts! The Silent Patient paints a picture, crawling into your soul in the very best way. As usual, were here to help you start the conversation with these The Silent Patient book club questions! February 5, 2019. The officially released date of the silent patient is 5. reason that Im not grasping. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. The Silent Patient is a heart-stopping debut thriller about a woman's brutal and random act of violence against her husband - and the man obsessed with discovering why. The characterizations of characters are sort of silly or cartoonish (the motherly female doctor! But considering Alicias silence strictly within the confines of the novels universe, I dont understand it. He forces Gabriel to admit that hed be willing to let Alicia get shot to save himself. Refine any search. Thanks for dropping by! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I think you sort of recommended The Wife Between Us. Did you figure out the twist before it was revealed? He is examined and found to have been stabbed. The Silent Patient is a swarming, paranoid nightmare of a novel with an ending that is destined to go down as one of the most shocking, mind-blowing twists in recent memory." Blake Crouch, New York Times bestselling author of Dark Matter "This is a wonderful new voice. About the Author Alex Michaelides was born in Cyprus to a Greek-Cypriot father and English mother. Loved your review because its so thoughtful and intelligent. Not only does this book deliver the shady characters and hairpin plot twists characteristic of the genre, it also raises important questions about human society and psychology. It's a little rough at times -- the CGI isn't the best, the movie's biggest antagonist isn't given enough time to fully develop into someone the audience can root against, and some of the tropes (the baby who can't be shushed, the dog who won't stop barking in a world where silence is the only way to survive) come off as more than a little stock -- but The Silence still manages to deliver a great deal of suspense, as well as a willingness to fully explore the large and small ramifications of the cataclysmic event in question. So what? 5 stars: 43: 4 stars: 56: 3 stars: 30: 2 stars: 10: 1 star: 5: This section contains 2,345 words. I didnt figure out the ending but the red herrings were obvious. The Silent Patient is a thriller that nails the ending, and for that reason alone Im inclined to forgive a lot of its imperfections. This reminds me of the last US election the lesser of two evils. Sex & Nudity A mentally ill man forcibly kisses a mentally ill girl. That said, it seems that what you believe to be the less successful parts of the book, and the emphasis you put on them, have scared people away from what, on the whole is a very good read. Theo is so ready to lie, manipulate, and use people and even though Alicia was the murderer, think I felt more danger from Theo and his shady practices., The author had unabashedly mentioned some things about Psychotherapy in which some are true in some rare cases while some have unfortunately gone entirely wrong. Our best tutors earn over $7,500 each month! Just finished this book and enjoyed it but I confess Im here for an explanation of the ending!! Listen to my discussion of this book on the Most Read Books podcast, Ep. What did you think about the dual timelines? Read more. She remained silent when she was placed under arrest, refusing to deny her guilt or confess it. Have a listen on Audible. When shes not combing the woods for endangered salamanders and orchids, she can be found at home, reading novels or writing her own stories, which have been published in Ecotone and The Stringybark Anthology. I don't know why I'm writing this.