Review of Deceptive Calm

[Charles Benson]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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"Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper is a story of self-discovery and identity layered with societal prejudice and expectations. The book tells a story about the life of Vanessa Condon, a beautiful teenager who was never adopted from Saint Paul’s Orphanage for Black children. Vanessa is a Black girl, but her skin color says otherwise, leading to her being unadopted by Black parents. Irrespective of her situation, Vanessa grew up being loved by Sister Rosalie, who assumed the motherly figure in her life and treated her like her own child. Life came hard and fast, and Vanessa was left dealing with the pain of loss and heartbreak. She decided to start afresh with a new name in a new city and only her ambition and passion to succeed as a companion. How will life unfold for Vanessa in California as she chases her dreams?

"Deceptive Calm" flourishes as it encompasses different themes that make up the entire book. The book has a bit of everything from injustice, love, betrayal, cruelty, heartache, and humor, as well as misunderstanding. However, the prominent themes in this book are themes of survival, self-discovery, racism, finding one’s identity, and friendship.

Right from the start, I find myself captivated by the author’s distinct progression of the story and plotline. The book starts slow but in a good way as it vividly describes the landscape, history, and every quality, event, and situation that makes up the 1960s era, making it easy for me as a reader to visualize and get insight into the era. I love the addition of historical events in the book, making Sister Rosalie a favorite character of mine, as she is a walking historical encyclopedia. Another aspect worth noting is the author’s well-researched effort toward the writing of this book; this shows credibility and authenticity. I also love the writing style of this book, as it captivates the reader from the beginning till the book comes to a close.

One thing I didn’t enjoy about this book is the explicit content; it made me uncomfortable, and I know not all readers will be open to it. Another thing is the ending; while it was expected, it left me feeling like there’s more to the story. It almost feels like a setup for a sequel, which I’d love to read, but at the same time, I wish this book had wrapped up more completely.

The book is well-edited; I found some errors in it, but they did not alter my reading experience one bit. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars for the detailed and descriptive explanation of events in the book as well as the pacing. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction and character-driven books.

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Deceptive Calm
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[Joe Alex 2]

Vanessa’s journey sounds both heartbreaking and inspiring. The blend of historical depth, identity struggles, and personal growth makes it a compelling read. Sounds like a story that lingers in the mind long after the last page.

[Mark Lazarus]

Your review of “Deceptive Calm” by Patricia Skipper is beautifully written and insightful. I love how you captured the essence of the story, highlighting its themes of survival, self-discovery, and resilience. Your appreciation for the historical depth and vivid storytelling really shines through, and your balanced perspective on the book’s strengths and areas for improvement adds to the credibility of your review. It’s clear that the story resonated with you, and your thoughtful reflections make it a compelling recommendation for other readers. Well done!