Review of Deceptive Calm (Barnes & Noble Edition)

[Felicia Bollin]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Deceptive Calm (Barnes & Noble Edition)" by Patricia Skipper.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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I recently finished reading “Deceptive Calm” by Patricia Skipper, and I have mixed feelings about it. The story centers around Vanessa, a light-skinned Black woman who decides to try and pass as white in order to escape her past and start anew in California. Set in the 1960s and 1970s, the book tackles heavy themes like identity, race, and societal expectations.

What I really enjoyed about the book was the intense storyline. The dramatic twists and turns kept me hooked until the very end. Vanessa’s character development was particularly impressive; her journey through personal and societal challenges felt very real and relatable. I also appreciated how the book shed light on the struggles faced by women, especially women of color, in the broadcast journalism industry during that time.

At times, the narrative felt disjointed, and there was a lot of filler content that sometimes made the story hard to stick with. The author also passed up at least one glowing chance to deepen the story and create conflict, instead choosing for the characters to take the easy way out. While the historical details were interesting, they sometimes felt unnecessary and not always accurate. The pacing was also a trifle uneven. The story started off slow and eventually picked up, but some plot points were left unresolved.

To some extent, the treatment of Vanessa’s spouse felt a bit ham-handed and clownish; and the heroine's attitude towards her first love Barry seemed a little unearned, with both men's characters remaining largely undeveloped in comparison with the female characters. I really enjoyed the unique character of the nun, who added an interesting dynamic to the story; and the high school milieu was intriguing.

Overall, “Deceptive Calm” is a thought-provoking read that offers a unique perspective on race and identity. The editing of the book is impeccable, showing the author’s great care and dedication to creating a perfect story, while avoiding distracting shallow errors that might inadvertently throw you out of the action. Despite its flaws, the compelling storyline and strong thematic elements make it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in historical fiction and social issues.

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Deceptive Calm (Barnes & Noble Edition)
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