The novel is beautifully written, and the characters are well-developed and complex. The author creates an atmosphere of tension and suspense that keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. The plot is full of twists and turns, and the ending is unexpected and satisfying.
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of the nature of guilt and trauma. Alicia's silence is not just a result of the trauma she experienced, but also of the guilt she feels for what she has done. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's past, he begins to unravel the complex web of emotions that led her to commit murder.
Another notable aspect of the book is its depiction of the mental health system. Michaelides shows how the system can be flawed and how mental health professionals can become too emotionally invested in their patients, leading to ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest.
Overall, The Silent Patient is an engrossing and suspenseful novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. It is a well-crafted and thoughtful exploration of guilt, trauma, and mental health that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers and suspense novels.