Review of Deceptive Calm

[Dawn Murphy]

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

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4 out of 5 stars

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Review: Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper
☆ (4 out of 5 stars)
Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper was a thoroughly engaging and well-crafted read. From the very beginning, I was drawn into the story—a rare feat for me, as I often struggle to find books that truly hold my attention.
The novel follows Vanessa through a significant portion of her life, beginning in her senior year of high school and continuing through college and into her early career. Along the way, we get to know her best friend Trisha and her love interest Barry, and we follow Vanessa through the complexities of friendships, romantic relationships, marriage, and personal growth.
One of the strongest elements of this book was its character development. Skipper does an excellent job of creating believable, well-rounded characters, and the emotional journey Vanessa goes through feels both authentic and compelling.
Set in the American South during the 1960s, the novel offers a powerful depiction of what it was like to live as a person of color during that era. The story thoughtfully weaves in themes of civil rights, abortion rights, and social justice, providing historical context without overwhelming the narrative. Sister Rosalie, the nun who raises Vanessa in an orphanage, was one of my favorite characters. Her love for history and her quirky habit of quizzing everyone she meets about South Carolina’s past was both charming and educational.
The writing was exceptionally well edited and the pacing for most of the book was solid. However, I did feel that the last few chapters were somewhat rushed. The tone and perspective seemed to shift abruptly, which took me by surprise and pulled me slightly out of the story.
It’s worth noting that the book contains racial slurs (mostly in the early and final chapters), some strong language, and sexual content. These elements are handled in context but may not be for every reader.
Overall, Deceptive Calm blends historical fiction, a coming-of-age story, and hints of a thriller into one compelling narrative. I truly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to readers who appreciate character-driven stories set against rich historical backdrops.

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Deceptive Calm
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