Review of Deceptive Calm
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Hydah Katrina Kerry
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Review of Deceptive Calm
[Following is a volunteer review of "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper.]
I have read books about racism before, but none outshines Patricia Skipper's Deceptive Calm. Although the book's setting dates back to the 1960s, it offers perfect examples of what racism looks like even in today's world. The book emphasizes how racism compromises personal and career growth, violates human rights, and enslaves its victims. The author includes themes such as history, politics, friendship, romance, crime, and religion. In those days, clear boundaries defined and separated people of different skin colors. Any violation of these boundaries meant dire consequences, an aspect that gives this book an interesting storyline. It is the story of Vanessa Condon, a black girl living in an orphanage for black people in Charlestown. Her skin color and her race led to a series of unending traumas, drama, and life-changing circumstances.
The author provides Vanessa's background information, allowing us to connect the events in each stage of her life. This aspect complements well-built characters who convey the book's themes effortlessly. You will meet Sister Rosalie, a Catholic nun enthusiastic about history and religion. I was moved by the passion, compassion, and sacrifices she made for those under her care, despite limited resources and racially related obstacles. We also meet Trisha Bibbs, whose friendship with Vanessa is defined by love, care, sacrifices, secrets, mistakes, and loyalty. Although Vanessa's skin color raised concerns about her race, she took advantage of the situation to live and realize her dreams. Like any other teenager, Vanessa fell in love, an act that resulted in fatal consequences. Eager to leave the pain, trauma, and racism behind, Vanesa opted for a fresh start in a new place, unaware of what fate had in store.
The author uses this interesting story to emphasize the negative effects of racism. You will notice that the characters' lives interact at some point, but the quality is compromised by racism. Trisha and Vanessa faced unnecessary obstacles in their attempt to excel in their careers, forcing them to work extra hard to prove their worth. I am glad that the girls had unmatched talents, skills, competence, and resilience that carried them to the top. With the introduction of each character, the story develops into a spellbinding crime thriller. The author uses vivid descriptions and imagery to create clear images in the reader's mind, giving you a feeling akin to watching a crime movie. It saddened me that a good and kind woman ended up in the hands of Todd and the entire Von Westerkamp family.
I have two favorite characters in this book. One is Barb, Trisha's sister. She knew her sister well enough to believe the police or any other person. Second is an officer named Cliff. The Von Westerkamps influenced all the Sheriffs, except Cliff. His investigation left no stone unturned, risking his career, life, and the safety of those involved. Did he find any valuable information? Grab a copy of this book and find out!
The editing team did well; I encountered no errors while reading. There is nothing I dislike about this book to deny it a perfect rating. I hereby rate this book five out of stars because it is insightful and interesting to read. I recommend it to lovers of books about racism and romance.
******
Deceptive Calm
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
I have read books about racism before, but none outshines Patricia Skipper's Deceptive Calm. Although the book's setting dates back to the 1960s, it offers perfect examples of what racism looks like even in today's world. The book emphasizes how racism compromises personal and career growth, violates human rights, and enslaves its victims. The author includes themes such as history, politics, friendship, romance, crime, and religion. In those days, clear boundaries defined and separated people of different skin colors. Any violation of these boundaries meant dire consequences, an aspect that gives this book an interesting storyline. It is the story of Vanessa Condon, a black girl living in an orphanage for black people in Charlestown. Her skin color and her race led to a series of unending traumas, drama, and life-changing circumstances.
The author provides Vanessa's background information, allowing us to connect the events in each stage of her life. This aspect complements well-built characters who convey the book's themes effortlessly. You will meet Sister Rosalie, a Catholic nun enthusiastic about history and religion. I was moved by the passion, compassion, and sacrifices she made for those under her care, despite limited resources and racially related obstacles. We also meet Trisha Bibbs, whose friendship with Vanessa is defined by love, care, sacrifices, secrets, mistakes, and loyalty. Although Vanessa's skin color raised concerns about her race, she took advantage of the situation to live and realize her dreams. Like any other teenager, Vanessa fell in love, an act that resulted in fatal consequences. Eager to leave the pain, trauma, and racism behind, Vanesa opted for a fresh start in a new place, unaware of what fate had in store.
The author uses this interesting story to emphasize the negative effects of racism. You will notice that the characters' lives interact at some point, but the quality is compromised by racism. Trisha and Vanessa faced unnecessary obstacles in their attempt to excel in their careers, forcing them to work extra hard to prove their worth. I am glad that the girls had unmatched talents, skills, competence, and resilience that carried them to the top. With the introduction of each character, the story develops into a spellbinding crime thriller. The author uses vivid descriptions and imagery to create clear images in the reader's mind, giving you a feeling akin to watching a crime movie. It saddened me that a good and kind woman ended up in the hands of Todd and the entire Von Westerkamp family.
I have two favorite characters in this book. One is Barb, Trisha's sister. She knew her sister well enough to believe the police or any other person. Second is an officer named Cliff. The Von Westerkamps influenced all the Sheriffs, except Cliff. His investigation left no stone unturned, risking his career, life, and the safety of those involved. Did he find any valuable information? Grab a copy of this book and find out!
The editing team did well; I encountered no errors while reading. There is nothing I dislike about this book to deny it a perfect rating. I hereby rate this book five out of stars because it is insightful and interesting to read. I recommend it to lovers of books about racism and romance.
******
Deceptive Calm
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Cross Intents by Scott Wells
