Review of Deceptive Calm
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Sampreethi Henric
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- Latest Review: Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper
Review of Deceptive Calm
[Following is a volunteer review of "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper.]
Deceptive Calm is a romantic historical novel set in the 1960s. It is a coming-of-age story of Vanessa, an African American orphan, who grows up at a Catholic orphanage in Charleston, South Carolina. She is raised by a nun named Sister Rosalie. Vanessa finds herself in a unique position: she does not look like an African American and therefore is unaccepted by fellow African Americans. However, she fits in easily with the Caucasians around her. This predicament causes her to question her identity, yearn for belonging, and strive to succeed despite her challenges. Although she endures several heartaches (due to her own choices as well as the choices of those around her), Vanessa stays humble, teachable, hardworking, and grateful. She does not use her circumstances as an excuse to take revenge or justify her mistakes. She also refuses to indulge in being a victim but pursues overcoming her circumstances, learning from her mistakes, and becoming a stronger woman.
This book deals with several emotionally charged issues like racism, sexism, abortion, and abuse. The author does a fantastic job weaving these issues into the characters’ lives while delving into how these issues affect people mentally and emotionally. Sister Rosalie is a colorful loving character who brings much-needed levity amid several serious themes that run through this novel. She speaks her mind and interjects historical facts in almost any conversation she is involved in. Vanessa’s best friend, Trisha, is the only real constant in Vanessa’s life. She represents the best friend who makes unwise choices but sticks with Vanessa through thick and thin. Their friendship is a wonderful example of how two people can connect deeply even when society says they are too different from each other.
I enjoyed reading about different career fields in this novel. Through different characters, the author transports us behind the scenes of medicine, sales, TV journalism, and radio journalism. We get to learn the challenges and joys in each of these fields.
I disliked the number of sexually explicit passages in this book. Most are gratuitous and unnecessary to the plot of this story. I would not recommend this book for anyone under 18, because several passages contain explicit sexual language and are inappropriate for children. Those who have been sexually abused or have a history of sexual addiction should use caution in reading this book, as these passages might be a trigger.
I would say this book has excellent editing, as I did not find any errors.
I would give this book a rating of 4/5. I am taking away 1 star for the unnecessary sexually explicit passages.
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Deceptive Calm
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Deceptive Calm is a romantic historical novel set in the 1960s. It is a coming-of-age story of Vanessa, an African American orphan, who grows up at a Catholic orphanage in Charleston, South Carolina. She is raised by a nun named Sister Rosalie. Vanessa finds herself in a unique position: she does not look like an African American and therefore is unaccepted by fellow African Americans. However, she fits in easily with the Caucasians around her. This predicament causes her to question her identity, yearn for belonging, and strive to succeed despite her challenges. Although she endures several heartaches (due to her own choices as well as the choices of those around her), Vanessa stays humble, teachable, hardworking, and grateful. She does not use her circumstances as an excuse to take revenge or justify her mistakes. She also refuses to indulge in being a victim but pursues overcoming her circumstances, learning from her mistakes, and becoming a stronger woman.
This book deals with several emotionally charged issues like racism, sexism, abortion, and abuse. The author does a fantastic job weaving these issues into the characters’ lives while delving into how these issues affect people mentally and emotionally. Sister Rosalie is a colorful loving character who brings much-needed levity amid several serious themes that run through this novel. She speaks her mind and interjects historical facts in almost any conversation she is involved in. Vanessa’s best friend, Trisha, is the only real constant in Vanessa’s life. She represents the best friend who makes unwise choices but sticks with Vanessa through thick and thin. Their friendship is a wonderful example of how two people can connect deeply even when society says they are too different from each other.
I enjoyed reading about different career fields in this novel. Through different characters, the author transports us behind the scenes of medicine, sales, TV journalism, and radio journalism. We get to learn the challenges and joys in each of these fields.
I disliked the number of sexually explicit passages in this book. Most are gratuitous and unnecessary to the plot of this story. I would not recommend this book for anyone under 18, because several passages contain explicit sexual language and are inappropriate for children. Those who have been sexually abused or have a history of sexual addiction should use caution in reading this book, as these passages might be a trigger.
I would say this book has excellent editing, as I did not find any errors.
I would give this book a rating of 4/5. I am taking away 1 star for the unnecessary sexually explicit passages.
******
Deceptive Calm
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper
