Review of Deceptive Calm

[Tina Keefover]

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

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4 out of 5 stars

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Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper

The author utilized their past life experiences and education to create a compelling fictional tale focused around the end of the Civil Rights Movement Era and its aftermath.

Bringing in the existence of a key character, Vanessa Condon, the author writes of the challenges the colored girl faces when being born with fair skin. Vanessa was a lifelong orphan of Saint Paul’s Orphanage, run by the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, solely for colored children. Vanessa was raised by an eccentric nun, Sister Rosalie. The pair formed a close mother-daughter bond.

The author demonstrated extensive knowledge of historical events throughout the novel. It gives me great pleasure to read stories in which the author takes the time to research.

I encountered a couple of editorial flaws towards the end of the book, but overall it was well written. The story was captivating and brought life to the struggles of being female and colored during that time period.

I rated it 4 out of 5 stars because, although the book was intriguing, I felt some of the characters were underdeveloped. In addition, Vanessa was described as a white, beautiful woman with smooth hair, but I couldn’t visualize her appearance.

The novel is listed under the category of romance. I think it would be best suited under the category of historical fiction. Vanessa had sexual relationships; however, I didn’t find them to be particularly romantic. She obsessed over one suitor, but I didn’t find myself rooting for that relationship. I was more invested in reading about Vanessa as an independent woman. In addition, I was interested in her close friendship with Trisha.

Deceptive Calm might not be suitable for those of certain religious beliefs due to promiscuity and abortion. There are strong sexual encounters, vast profanity and many violent incidents throughout this book.

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Deceptive Calm
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