Review on Deceptive Calm By Patricia Skipper

[Nthabiseng Seruwe]

Deceptive Calm – Patricia Skipper -4.5/5 Stars
Deceptive Calm is a powerful novel that explores the life of Vanessa, a woman trying to navigate the complexities of race and identity. In an effort to escape the limits imposed by her race, Vanessa adopts a new identity, one that offers her a life of privilege. But soon, her seemingly perfect world is turned upside down by unexpected events, making her face the reality of her choices.
The strength of the novel lies in how it shows both Vanessa's inner struggles and the challenges she faces in the outside world. The author does an excellent job of exploring themes like identity, race, and the pressures society puts on individuals. As a black South African, I couldn’t help but wonder if I would have made similar choices 50 years ago during the Apartheid era, given the social and racial challenges people faced back then.
The writing is clear and emotional, making it easy for readers to connect with Vanessa's journey. At times, I felt like I was right there with her, experiencing her emotions, struggles, and growth. It was a powerful experience, and I found myself thinking deeply about the choices I make in my own life.
Deceptive Calm does more than just explore race and identity—it also shows how personal decisions can have lasting consequences. It is thought-provoking and makes readers reflect on how far someone might go to change their life and the price of those changes.
With its deep emotional impact and engaging storytelling, Deceptive Calm is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of identity, race, and human experience. It’s a moving story that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.

[Catarina Luciane Silva]

I totally agree with you when you talk about the decisions we make. Often at the time it seems like the only option, but then when we're older we see it more clearly. I think it's beautiful how Vanessa can count on Trisha for everything, from the easiest things to the nastiest ones.
I think all of us need someone to lean on, and this book made me think that we are certain about our decisions not being mistakes because we are looking at it too closely.