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This is a discussion topic for Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper


Spoiler Alert:

What did you think of the ending of Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper?

I was astounded that it ended with her missing and having to be found. Her life ended up as it began

I personally did not like the fact that she went back to Barry, I felt it took us through a journey that ended up not being necessary because she just went back to where she started in the end. It also promoted the stereotypical Male-Savior trope. That she needed a man in her life to be better than she already was. I feel if some sort of moral were introduced that would allow her mental clarity then it would allow for a more fulfilling read that takes the readers mind on a linear journey instead of one that is cyclical.

It needed an epilogue!

I didn't like the book very much overall, but with that being said, I did like the ending. I thought it concluded nicely with all the loose ends wrapped up. I do agree that it needed an epilogue though.

It was like a boomerang. I didn't really like it.

It was like a boomerang. I didn't really like it.
It was as if Vanessa's life started afresh. Although some things were somehow unraveled, I think it needed an epilogue.

The ending felt very abrupt. I think an epilogue would’ve been helpful.

I felt that the ending was rushed. I also did not like how Vanessa went back with Barry. It was disappointing to see she never stopped liking Barry even though he was cruel to her at the beginning of the book. I was also shocked with Vanessa and Trisha getting into a car accident. The accident not being an accident at all, but a plan to hurt the girls by Vanessa's husband!

The ending leaves a lasting impression, filled with tension and unresolved threads that keep the reader thinking long after finishing the book. The conclusion feels both satisfying in its emotional impact and unsettling in how it reflects the ongoing societal struggles. It successfully ties together the story’s main themes but leaves room for reflection on the deeper issues.

I was happy to see that Vanessa is still a survivor. In spite of everything that happened to her throughout her life, she was always able to pull through. The conclusion allowed Vanessa to show the strength of her spirit, continuing to rise above adversities due largely to her race. I can see the possibilities for a sequel.

The ending felt rushed, as if the storylines had to be quickly resolved in the final chapter. While it provided closure to Vanessa's journey, it lacked the depth and reflection that the rest of the book carried, leaving me wishing for a more gradual conclusion.

I think the ending points to the possibility of a second part, more like a continuation. Because it all seemed like She went back to being the way she was when it all began.

Part of the plot seemed to drag on or become belabored. However, the last part of the book raced along, almost feeling like parts were underdeveloped. I never felt like Barry was developed enough as a character to understand the bond between him and Vanessa. The part of the story where Trish was an expert swimmer seemed to come out of nowhere - we have been with her through most of her life in the story and not once was her commitment to swimming mentioned. These were a few of the pieces that contributed to the ending feeling unrealistic. And as someone mentioned above, Vanessa was a tough and talented woman, why did it have to end with her being saved by a man?

Everything was too rushed: the author didn't say anything about Trisha's conditions, the consquences for the Westerkamps' or how the baby's diagnosis will affect him. Moreover, the reconciliation between Vanessa and Barry was unnecessarily cheesy and made very little sense.
I would've preferred an epilogue to bring a little balance to the story.