Book Review: The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
A campus thriller steeped in darkness and mythology? Yes, please! That’s what initially drew me to The Maidens by Alex Michaelides, the author of the hit novel The Silent Patient. With its GoodReads Choice Awards finalist title for Best Mystery & Thriller, I was eager to dive into this tale of secret societies, a grieving psychotherapist, and ominous murders. However, after finally completing it, I find myself wrestling with mixed feelings and a twinge of disappointment. Let me take you through my reading journey.
At its heart, The Maidens follows Mariana, a psychotherapist who returns to her university after her niece, Zoe, suspects a professor is involved in the murder of her friend, Tara. What ensues is a mix of amateur sleuthing layered with themes of grief, betrayal, and the dangerous allure of secret societies. Michaelides weaves in classical mythology, but instead of enriching the narrative, it often felt like too much exposition—like cramming a semester’s worth of lectures into a few short chapters without regard for impact.
On the topic of pacing, the structure of the book, with its brief chapters, created a feeling of skimming rather than sinking into the narrative. The quick shifts between plot points didn’t allow for the rich development of characters or the suspenseful build-up that I craved. Mariana’s character is especially problematic; while she’s painted as an educated woman, her actions often felt irrational and melodramatic, making it hard to root for her. I found myself wanting a deeper emotional connection, but instead, I was left with surface-level insights muddled by clinical reflections that felt more like filler.
Let’s unpack the dialogue. Maybe my expectations were too high, but often it felt like poorly scripted melodrama. For instance, a confrontation with a professor segues into discussions so trite that it made me roll my eyes. Mariana’s moment of vulnerability turned into a “Do you think you can see inside my soul?” line that left me cringing instead of captivated.
Despite these gripes, some moments did shine through. The juxtaposition of Mariana’s therapy group against the predatory dynamics of Professor Fosca and his "Maidens" holds potential. The notion of envy and danger lurking within groups provides a rich backdrop, one that felt underutilized given the chaotic execution of the plot.
In the end, readers who thrive on twisty narratives may still find something to enjoy here, especially if they relish dark academia and the psychology of grief. That said, if you approach The Maidens expecting the same captivating brilliance of The Silent Patient, you might set yourself up for disappointment.
For me, the experience was a reminder that not every highly-anticipated book can live up to its forebear. While I appreciated the intriguing premise and atmospheric setting, I couldn’t help but feel it was an exercise in frustration rather than catharsis. In the world of mystery thrillers, The Maidens leaves much to be desired, but perhaps others will unearth enjoyment where I found only tangled threads.
So, who should pick up this book? If you’re a fan of academic settings, dark myths, or simply enjoy the thrill of a mind-bending twist, you might want to give The Maidens a whirl. Just approach it with tempered expectations and an open mind. Happy reading!