Hardcover, 336 pages
English language
Published Feb. 5, 2019 by Celadon Books.
Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word. Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London. Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. 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 motivations–a search for the truth that threatens to consume him.
This was a page turner, for sure. But maybe I just don't like these themes. Felt kinda shallow.
This was a page turner, for sure. But maybe I just don't like these themes. Felt kinda shallow.
This was definitely an interesting book; I flew through it. The unfolding story was very compelling. The psychological investigations were pretty intense, much more than I had expected.
But, although I don't know much about the profession, the characters didn't seem to act like therapists to me. And the ending didn't work for me, though it was well thought out, so I can see where it might land for others.
This was definitely an interesting book; I flew through it. The unfolding story was very compelling. The psychological investigations were pretty intense, much more than I had expected.
But, although I don't know much about the profession, the characters didn't seem to act like therapists to me. And the ending didn't work for me, though it was well thought out, so I can see where it might land for others.
The book's story progression kept me guessing and wondering what happened to Gabriel, the murder victim. The writing was engaging and characters are interesting. For that, I gave four stars over three as I was very excited to read the rest. Would have maybe considered 3.5 stars if it was an option.
The only complaints I have about it are that the "diary/journal" entries are written out more like scenes than a diary. Additionally, there are some information I am sure would drive those in the field of psychology mad, very slight story gaps that left me asking why something did or did not occur. These were minor things however IMO.
The book's story progression kept me guessing and wondering what happened to Gabriel, the murder victim. The writing was engaging and characters are interesting. For that, I gave four stars over three as I was very excited to read the rest. Would have maybe considered 3.5 stars if it was an option.
The only complaints I have about it are that the "diary/journal" entries are written out more like scenes than a diary. Additionally, there are some information I am sure would drive those in the field of psychology mad, very slight story gaps that left me asking why something did or did not occur. These were minor things however IMO.
Por muy poco no le doy las 5 estrellas, el final me ha parecido un poco "timo". Lo mejor es el ritmo, es muy entretenido y solo hay unas pocas partes flojas.
No sé si las referencias psicológicas están bien o no, estaría bien leer la crítica de un psicólogo y un psiquiatra.
Por muy poco no le doy las 5 estrellas, el final me ha parecido un poco "timo". Lo mejor es el ritmo, es muy entretenido y solo hay unas pocas partes flojas.
No sé si las referencias psicológicas están bien o no, estaría bien leer la crítica de un psicólogo y un psiquiatra.
Through the book the plot seemed a bit lost and all over the place.
Most characters feel a bit bland and the psychiatric institution seems to be run like an highschool.
Overall I still liked the development and how everything unfolds. Also the end seems rushed.
It's a 3.5 rounded up ☺️
Through the book the plot seemed a bit lost and all over the place.
Most characters feel a bit bland and the psychiatric institution seems to be run like an highschool.
Overall I still liked the development and how everything unfolds. Also the end seems rushed.
It's a 3.5 rounded up ☺️
Phénoménal. Du même gabarit que Gone Girl et The Girl on the Train à mes yeux. J’ai été très rapidement happé par l’histoire et j’ai dévoré la moitié finale en une soirée tellement j’étais pris dans ses méandres. Cette rencontre avec un psy qui se débat avec une patiente volontairement muette pour comprendre les circonstances du meurtre de son mari alors qu’il lutte lui même avec ses problèmes de couple était extrêmement prenant et parfaitement splendide jusqu’au final sans faute. Un splendide premier roman !
While I enjoy a good psychological thriller, this book didn't quite work for me. It felt long, repetitive, and completely unsuspenseful--in fact, the big twist was evident to me well before the end of the lengthy text. Disappointing.
While I enjoy a good psychological thriller, this book didn't quite work for me. It felt long, repetitive, and completely unsuspenseful--in fact, the big twist was evident to me well before the end of the lengthy text. Disappointing.
