Here are some highlights from our book club discussion: 

• We found Theo, the therapist, to be a complex and relatable character. We empathized with his own psychological issues and the way he connected with Alicia’s trauma. Some of us also admired his flaws, which made him more authentic, while others questioned his moral choices.
• We appreciated the way the book portrayed mental health, both realistically and compassionately. We liked the use of a silent protagonist, which sparked conversations about the different ways people cope with trauma and the stigma surrounding mental illness.
• We enjoyed the symbolism and connections to Greek mythology, which added layers to the story. We felt that it enhanced the exploration of sacrifice and redemption, although some of us thought it was a bit overdone.
• We also discussed the pacing and structure of the book. Some of us felt that the book was well-paced, keeping us hooked from beginning to end. Others thought that there were moments where the book dragged, especially during Theo’s personal reflections, which affected the overall flow.
• We also analyzed how the characters’ identities and roles influenced their actions and perceptions. For example, Alicia is constantly defined by her role as a famous painter, a devoted wife, and a silent killer. She is also influenced by her abusive father, her controlling husband, and her mysterious diary. She tries to express her true self through her art, but she is also trapped by her silence and her secrets. Similarly, Theo is also shaped by his identity as a therapist, a husband, and a fan of Alicia. He is also influenced by his troubled childhood, his unhappy marriage, and his obsession with Alicia. He tries to help Alicia find her voice, but he is also hiding his own identity and his own motives. This led us off on a tangent where we all spoke about our own identities and the expectations placed upon us.
• The book shows us how identity is not fixed, but rather fluid and dynamic. It also shows us how identity can be a source of empowerment or a source of vulnerability, depending on how we use it and how others perceive it.
• Some of us loved the twist at the end of the book and felt that it was a brilliant and unexpected reveal that explained everything. We admired the author’s ability to craft a complex and clever plot that kept some of us guessing until the last page. We also liked how the book gave us a sense of closure and resolution. Others of us were not so impressed by the twist and felt that it was too convenient and unrealistic. We thought that some aspects of the story were too neatly tied up and did not leave enough room for ambiguity and interpretation. We also felt that some clues were too obvious or contrived, and that the author did not play fair with the readers. We were disappointed by the lack of subtlety and nuance in the ending, and we wished that the book had left us with more questions and doubts.

The book is a good example of a psychological thriller that combines entertainment and insight. It invites us to think about the human mind, the nature of truth, and the power of silence, and how they shape our perception of reality. It also encourages us to question our own assumptions and biases, and how they influence our understanding of others and ourselves.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery.

I think this is a great book club choice and we had a lot of fun being detectives with this one.

We gave it an overall 7/10.

What do you think of the book? Please do share your thoughts with me by commenting below.

Thanks for reading!