I am just curious. Who are the main characters in The Silent Patient? The Silent Patient Book Club Questions & Discussion Guide Steig Larson gave the literary world a shock when he conjured up Lisbeth Salander, the titular character in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, just as Alex Michaelides later gripped our attention with Alicia Berenson in The Silent Patient. Flashback of a car accident that left one of the lead characters with hearing loss. Receive your recommendation letter via email in about two weeks, or opt to receive your recommendations as brand new hardcovers from our partner, Print: A Bookstore in Portland, ME in about three to four weeks. I totally agree though, theres so many great twists and endings that people are so used to at this point, writers/screenwriters are going to have a harder and harder time trying to surprise people. 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. Thanks! But real love is very quiet, very still. That said, my main thought is that it will be much better as a movie. I have a question, why did Alicia paint her and Theo running out of the burning hospital? 5. Theo also learns that "Alcestis" is the story of a Greek goddess who was sent to Hades (death) in the place of her husband. hmmm very perceptive Ill need to go back and check it out but my initial thought is that the stuff with Kathy happens over a period of time so perhaps the coat+gloves stuff is the previous winter? Listen to my discussion of this book on the Most Read Books podcast, Ep. Dystopian horror violence throughout -- dead bodies shown on roads and inside buildings, bloodied and ripped to shreds after getting attacked by hideous-looking prehistoric flying monsters (called "vesps"). Before he can follow up, the next day Alicia is found in a coma. Hi, Ive updated the post to answer your question! Keep blogging! 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! The Silent Patient: Introduction A concise biography of Alex Michaelides plus historical and literary context for The Silent Patient. Did Alicia move them? How responsible is Christian for Alicias fate? Pub Date: April 24, 2018. It's boring, if seen from the perspective of high drama. In his mid-30s, frustrated with the logistical hurdles of a film production process, Michaelides switched gears, writing and publishing. Theo attempts to frame Christian for Alicias murder, stating, I had no qualms about framing him. It seems that there are plenty of thrillers which are technically passable, or even good, but not brilliant, and the red herrings, small and big twists are surprising, but often expected. Gabriel was the second man to condemn Alicia to death, which was more than what she could bearwhich is why she killed Gabriel. And dont forget to read to the end. Can you love one and not the other? Highlighted by 11,087 Kindle readers. If your club has picked it for your next meeting, never fear! The silent patient is the debut book of Alex Michaelides. Mount Olive LIVE | pastor, school | Join Pastor Richard - facebook.com For me, I found it wonderful. 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. She is a famous painter and her husband, Gabriel, an in-demand fashion photographer. A Literary Analysis of The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides Pls explain., What happenns with the inspector, did he arrest Theo. (1) to parallel the novels heroine & events with those of the play Alcestis, and Does theo also kill the agent in the end, and end up silent at a facility? Inevitably, the injured mental state of these characters leads to their brutal behaviors. Neither? Biography [ edit] Michaelides was born in Cyprus to a Cypriot father and English mother. Everything you need Part 2. About how we often mistake love for fireworksfor drama and dysfunction. See the archives. So what? LOVED LOVED LOVED!! What lesson do we get from silent patient book? He was born in Cyprus he completes his study in English literature. Theo (wearing a ski mask on his head) ties them up, outs Gabriel as a cheater, and gets Gabriel to show what a jerk he is. Compare and contrast Theo with his coworkers. He was born in Cyprus he completes his study in English literature. Review: The Silent Patient - Cherwell Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. Why did Theo tell everyone that Alicia didnt overdose herself, instead murder was attempted on her? Why exactly was Alicia unable or unwilling to speak after what happened? happy reading! Send any friend a story As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. If Theos attempts to encourage Alicia to speak are successful, will it be something he wants to hear?, The author also examines some hard truths about institutions that rely on funding, which leads to money and power taking precedence over the welfare and health of the patients. Because Theo knew that Alicia didnt kill Gabriel just because she came to know that he had affair. Having read the book myself, I agree to your critique. Like Alicia, Amy communicates the chilling events leading up to her disappearance through the journal she left behind. Many deaf actors have expressed anger at Kiernan Shipka's performance as a deaf teenager, and criticized director John Leonetti's praise, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, of Shipka's "flawless" signing, and her "almost innate sense of what it's like being a deaf person." I have read the novel. Theo initially genuinely wants to help Alicia. First, weve provided a synopsis of The Silent Patient, in case you missed any beats in that head-spinning plot. During Alicias trial, Theo notes that while everyone was talking, writing, arguing about Alicia, at the heart of this frantic, noisy activity there was a voida silence. What risks do you think we take when we generate noise around a silent figure? I especially love the twist at the end. Theo sees that she was injected by morphine, tells the others about Christian and Christian is arrested. in screenwriting from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. I am wondering about Theos reaction to being caught. As they sit in silence, the main clue he has is a painting she completed. I do really like this book. He also studied psychology for several years, even working in a ward for troubled teenagers. Struggling with distance learning? I understood the literary purposes for Alicias silence- namely: Listen to it. Everything with the art gallery owner / friend makes so little sense in retrospect. (This article contains affiliate links. P.S. PHANTOM IN THE FOG. Alicia Berenson and Theo Faber is the main character of the silent patient. 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." 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. February 5, 2019. But while The Silent Patient only offers us a glimpse of the power of an intelligent and passionate woman like Alicia, Lisbeth Salander allows that power to come to full fruition. Great review! 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. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, Paperback - Barnes & Noble suggesting a diversity update. Happy reading :), Thanks for the review! Thanks for dropping by! Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. The Best Jodi Picoult Books (All Books Ranked and Rated), 20 Climate Fiction Books: From Apocalypse to Budding Hope, 10 Rules & Expectations for a Smooth Running Book Club, Wish You Were Here Book Club Questions and Discussion Guide. Characters are attacked and killed by these vesps. Alicia tells him about the night of Gabriel's death. The author has no right to generalise about the health sector as a whole based on some scrupulous activities done by some individuals. The second part begins with a record of Alicia's life as expressed in her diary. London-based psychotherapist Theo Farber becomes obsessed with Alicia Berenson, a . The family dog is left to die because of its barking. Posted on Last updated: November 16, 2022, The Lincoln Highway Book Club Questions & Discussion Guide, 21 Books About Librarians: Heroes, Lovers & Magicians, Home | Blog | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | About. Or try Verity, if you really want to lean into the whole messed up marriage thing. I read this after finishing the book, coz as rightly pointed, there r several flaws that leave question marks Your explanation of the symbolism with snow in the end of the story was a good closure for me as I was left craving for some sort of final confession/regret from Theo in the end. The second part begins with a record of Alicias life as expressed in her diary. Then he strangles her to death. Why did Theo want to treat Alicia? Take a chance.--Brad Meltzer, author of The Escape Artist. in screenwriting at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, Michaelides embarked on a career as a screenwriter. Hes in no danger of being exposed. Then, an expert Biblioligist will read your responses and recommend three books just for you. We are Forensic Psychologists. In Part II, Theo tries to treat Alicia by reducing her meds, allowing her to paint and talking to outside sources to learn more. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivationsa search for the truth that threatens to consume him. Jean-Felix and his art gallery profit from the notoriety surrounding Alicias paintings after she murders her husband. (In her diary, Alicia mentions that they have a gun, and she moves it into their cupboard at one point.) Heres my previous thoughts about it: When the officer is reading to him, hes next to a window and opens it in order to reach out for a snowflake. In the present story (treating alicia) its winter. Im hopeful the movie will be really good and gone girl-esque, though it might take a while for it to come out. Have a listen on Audible. Synopsis In The Silent Patient, Alicia Berenson is a well-known painter who murdered her husband six years ago and hasn't spoken a word since. Although, how much does the fact that there are so many thrillers that we become desensitised to the shocking reveal? Thats my take, anyway! You say that Theo had to kill Alicia because he realized she recognized him as the man who entered her house wearing a mask. For more detail, see the full Section-by-Section Summary. Do you think this claim is sincere? See our, I think its very interesting and its like a better version of the quit place. 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! The Witch Elm surrounds readers in a cast of characters who are at once familiar and vaguely sinister and invites everyone to join in investigating these characters. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Evenly distribute spices to top and bottom of chicken, and distribute and rub / coat onto carrots as well. What do you think is the appeal of these movies? Meanwhile, Amys husband, Nick, fumbles to prove his own innocence in Amys disappearance by putting together the pieces of Amys case before the police do. Overall, the story keeps your interest and is well-paced. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. 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. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides | Bookclubs She titled it Alcestis, named after a heroine in Greek mythology who sacrifices her life to save her husband. 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. Im glancing through this rather quickly and will look more closely at it. and thanks for dropping by! Six years later, Theo takes her case over from another doctor, Christian. Finally, despite the steadily moving pace of the book, it takes a while to get into the meat of the book. Did you think Theo, despite his past, had any healthy relationships? The Silence Movie Review | Common Sense Media And Jean owns the gallery Alicia's art was in, but she had been planning on switching galleries.) I think its meant to be ambiguous, but seems to hint at a vaguely positive ending. The characterizations of characters are sort of silly or cartoonish (the motherly female doctor! In Part IV, Theo goes to the house of Kathy's lover. It feels a little pretentious to call it a diary. Note: The novel deals with potentially triggering issues, including suicide, murder, mental/physical abuse, mental illness, and trauma. Most of those red herrings are left unresolved. The Silent Patient Book Club Questions + Reading Guide | TBR Thats the way its explained in the book, but you can decide if you find that explanation satisfactory or not, I simply loved The Silent Patient!. Loss of Appetite at at the End of Life. After high school, Michaelides moved to the United Kingdom, where he got a masters in English literature from Cambridge University. The Silent Patient - Macmillan Blake Crouch New York Times bestselling author of Dark Matter One of the most spellbinding psychological thrillers we've read in years. That said, on its own terms, The Silence is a decent slice of dystopian fare for the teen set. The basic frame of a really good plot is there, it just needs some retooling and a little more nuance. He has an M.A. I didnt figure out the ending but the red herrings were obvious. My reason for coming here is to understand the plot. The debatable timing of "who came first" makes The Silence a movie that cannot be dismissed as simply a "mockbuster." Did I miss something? but later, alicia said in her last entry, that after theo pulled the trigger alicia noticed shes still alive and theo was still there-pointing the gun to the ceiling. thanks for letting me know it was useful to you, I appreciate it! The Silent Patient Quotes | Alex Michaelides | Scribble Whatever Unique but very bloody, violent take on zombie genre. Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Since he mentions him watching outside of the window.. ooo I never considered that idea, but I kinda like that theory haha. 6 Likes, 2 Comments - Steph *~*Bookstagram *~* (@traveling_bookworm_steph) on Instagram: "February wrap-up: The Silent Patient (thanks @ayesha.jamshed ! As for the writing, its passable, but leaves a bit to be desired. I got a little confused and partially understood the twist but was left with an itch I couldnt scratch. Violence & Gore A man falls, dead, from a horse. The Silent Patient isn't quiet at all. Love is deep and calm and constant. Do you think any of the characters in this novel exhibit that kind of love? What about the snow at the end? 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). Honestly, if you dont mind thrillers that are sort of imperfect (like you know they could be better) and are able to just enjoy the things that they do well, I think you might enjoy the Silent Patient.