Where to begin?
For some reason, the opening to this book didn't pull my attention immediately. I think Theo just didn't interest me, he seemed... arrogant perhaps? I'm not sure. I don't even want to tell you about one of the biggest surprises/twists for me in this book, but it has to do with the writing style and I'm still drooling over it.
When I was ALMOST done with the book (right before Part 5, I believe) I felt like my brain was a lock that's channels had just clicked into place. I felt enlightened. I'm not trying to be dramatic, it was truly an experience.
Alicia Berenson is a infamous killer. She's a famous artist who murdered her husband and then has never spoken again. That was 7 years ago. She's been silent since the moment the police found her holding the smoking gun that killed her husband. She gave no defense. She didn't deny it, she didn't confess, she simply painted a self-portrait and retreated into herself.
Theo is a psychotherapist who is certain he can reach her. If anyone can help Alicia, Theo thinks, he can. He accepts a position at The Grove, the institution where Alicia lives with the sole purpose to get through to her. He doesn't assume she's innocent, but just wants to help her come alive again. He wants to get at the truth of what happened, whatever that may be.
There are honestly a ton of twists in this story, I can't imagine how Alex Michaelides could write this and make it flow together so perfectly. But, even though I can't fathom it, he managed to do it. I have been recommending this book left and right to everyone I talk to, it's been on my mind since the moment I turned the last page and I have a feeling it's going to stick with me for a while.
For some reason, the opening to this book didn't pull my attention immediately. I think Theo just didn't interest me, he seemed... arrogant perhaps? I'm not sure. I don't even want to tell you about one of the biggest surprises/twists for me in this book, but it has to do with the writing style and I'm still drooling over it.
When I was ALMOST done with the book (right before Part 5, I believe) I felt like my brain was a lock that's channels had just clicked into place. I felt enlightened. I'm not trying to be dramatic, it was truly an experience.
Alicia Berenson is a infamous killer. She's a famous artist who murdered her husband and then has never spoken again. That was 7 years ago. She's been silent since the moment the police found her holding the smoking gun that killed her husband. She gave no defense. She didn't deny it, she didn't confess, she simply painted a self-portrait and retreated into herself.
Theo is a psychotherapist who is certain he can reach her. If anyone can help Alicia, Theo thinks, he can. He accepts a position at The Grove, the institution where Alicia lives with the sole purpose to get through to her. He doesn't assume she's innocent, but just wants to help her come alive again. He wants to get at the truth of what happened, whatever that may be.
There are honestly a ton of twists in this story, I can't imagine how Alex Michaelides could write this and make it flow together so perfectly. But, even though I can't fathom it, he managed to do it. I have been recommending this book left and right to everyone I talk to, it's been on my mind since the moment I turned the last page and I have a feeling it's going to stick with me for a while.