Disappointment and Delight: Reviewing Books Hyped to Be Masterpieces

In the vast sea of literary offerings, we often hear recommendations from friends, critics, and bestseller lists, only to find our expectations unmet. This is where the genre of mystery and thriller shines, often setting high standards but sometimes falling short of our expectations. One such frustrating experience comes to light when discussing The Silent Patient, a well-received debut novel that did not meet the lofty benchmarks set by classic mysteries.

Agatha Christie's Influence and Eager Expectations

Agatha Christie, the queen of mystery and one of the most prolific writers in the genre, has left an indelible mark. Her works are renowned for meticulously crafted plots and complex characters, serving as a paragon of the whodunnit, whydunnit, howdunnit approach. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. The thrill of reading her novels often leaves readers craving more and sets the genre's standards quite high.

The Silent Patient: Disappointment and Discrepancies

Bewitched by the allure of whodunnit stories, I eagerly picked up The Silent Patient, a 2019 debut novel by Alex Michaelides. The book had terrific reviews, impressive ratings, and people still raving about its plot twist, making it an impactful debut. However, despite these accolades, it fails to meet the standards set by classic figures in the genre.

The plot is intriguing, but the narrative is loose, lacking depth and character development. Main characters are underutilized, and the narrative often digresses, making certain chapters unnecessary for the overall understanding. Red herrings are present but left unexplained and unexploited, not contributing to the story's progression.

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect is the predictable climax. As the renowned detective Sherlock Holmes asserts, 'When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.' This finality in the conclusion can make the story feel unsatisfying to the seasoned mystery reader.

My personal viewpoint is that The Silent Patient is a solid read for beginners, but for those who are deeply engrossed in the mysteries of this genre, it is perhaps best to give it a miss. The book serves as a reminder that even well-received novels may not always meet the expectations set by classic works.

A Debutant to a Sequel: The What If Its Us Saga

Another instance where expectations did not meet reality was with the book 'What If It's Us' by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli. The book initially disappointed me, despite its promising reviews and the author's credentials. However, the sequel, 'What If It's Us Too', unexpectedly proved to be a pleasant surprise, leaving me emotionally invested despite the finality of the story's conclusion.

A Review of Love and Disappointment

The initial disappointment with What If It's Us can be attributed to several factors. Despite the authors' established reputations, the novel did not deliver the depth and emotional resonance I had hoped for. This disappointment was compounded by the fact that the sequel had a more satisfying ending, making me reflect on the importance of nuance and emotional resolution in literary works.

Similar to the experience with The Silent Patient, these books highlight the importance of maintaining narrative coherence and character development. While both books had appealing plots and intriguing premises, they ultimately fell short of expectations due to their structural and thematic issues.

Conclusion: Balancing Hype and Reality

In the world of literature, every book is a testament to both the author's creativity and the reader's expectations. While it is exciting to hear about highly acclaimed works, it is equally important to approach them with a discerning eye. Sometimes, classic works set such high standards that newer novels may not reach the same heights. These experiences, however, provide invaluable lessons and reminders to appreciate the nuances of storytelling in the future.

Ultimately, the reading journey is a personal one. While some books may meet and exceed expectations, others, like The Silent Patient and What If It's Us, serve as valuable reminders to appreciate both the highs and lows of literary experiences.