Anna Aggarwal

Psychological thriller that weaves in Greek Mythology. Story slowly progresses, focusing on character development. It is narrated by the two main characters Theo Faber, a psychotherapist and the patient, who is a famous artist, Alicia Berenson. Story focuses around the killing of Gabriel, husband of Alicia, who was a famous fashion photography. Alicia is blamed for the killing and is confined to a mental institution where she has remained silent and lifeless for the past 6 years. We learn about her character from her diary, her painting and her family. Michaelides makes comparisons to greek myth Alcestis to Alicia. Alcestis sacrifices herself for her husband and is recused from underworld and Thanatos by Hercules. Despite her survival Alcestis lives in silence. Author weaves 2 complex story lines together, culminating in a shocking ending.