The Silent Patient

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Which of the novel’s twists did you find most surprising? If you saw any of the twists coming, what clues led you to your conclusion?
• How did you feel about the novel’s epistolary structure? Have you read other novels that use this technique? How does this one compare? 
• Based on your experience with this novel, would you be interested in reading other works by Alex Michaelides? Why or why not?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Before learning of Theo’s involvement in Gabriel’s death, did you relate more to Theo or to Alicia as a narrator? Why?
• A major subplot in the novel concerns Theo’s wife’s infidelity. How would you respond if you found out someone close to you had betrayed you? Would you be able to forgive them?
• How responsible do you believe Alicia is for Gabriel’s death? Did her fate feel like justice or like a final instance of victimization?
• Have you ever kept a diary or journal? What did you get out of the experience?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.