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1.91 AVERAGE
1.91 AVERAGE
Incredibly strong start with unique colorful character voices, however as time starts to skip genre, focus, and the point does to making for an unsatisfying ending where your not really sure why you read it.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I really wanted to like this book; I really tried to like this book. However, it was a struggle to simply finish. The author clearly studied the history of Charleston, California, and other significant locations in the book and has a somewhat firm grasp on American history, particularly the Civil War era. However, it was difficult to tell if the goal was to tell a story of suspense or romance, or to impart a series of multiple, expansive history lessons. The dialogue often did not match the character descriptions, and some characters weren’t fleshed out nearly enough. Other characters were simply over the top (Sister Rosalie, Suzanne). There were abrupt changes in character behavior that went completely unexplained and out of context. One never really grasps why certain characters are the way they are, or what the backstory was that led to present circumstances. It is well over a third into the book before any semblance of a consistent plot or storyline begins to develop. Furthermore, the story’s ending felt quite rushed and left much to be desired in terms of closure. In fact, the "story" really occurs in the last three chapters of the book. I feel like the author’s storyline for the time in which the story is set in was just unrealistic and quite frankly unbelievable. I feel there is probably a good premise for a story, but the author struggles to tie all the pieces together. There is so much focus on trying to educate on American history that the story of the main characters is lost and becomes minimal. There were side stories of supporting characters that seemed to be going somewhere but then died out altogether, but perhaps the author was planning to have different books branch out from this one. At any rate, this is one book I was glad to put down, and not because it was a tear-jerker or gut-wrenching in any way. It was just plain bad.
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Review to come but... This was bad.
And if for some reason you're thinking about reading this book, check the trigger warnings.
And if for some reason you're thinking about reading this book, check the trigger warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Car accident, Abortion, Death of parent, Pregnancy
Moderate: Fatphobia, Xenophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Deportation
Minor: Infidelity
“Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper is a compelling read that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Skipper's storytelling is immersive, drawing readers into a world full of southern racial tensions in the late 1950s in Charleston, South Carolina with many historical events dispersed throughout the book. The book's strength lies in its intricate plot and well-developed characters, almost overly developed, as it took me more than halfway through the book to enter the main plot. However, learning each character’s secrets and motives, made for an engaging narrative.
The protagonist, Vanessa, is a complex, multi-dimensional character whose journey as an African American passing as White created an exploration of identity and the depths of human deception for survival in that era. Skipper masterfully portrays her struggles and growth, making her a character readers can root for.
The supporting cast from Vanessa’s high school days; White childhood best friend, Trisha, Sister Rosalie, and Black high school boyfriend Barry Hale are all equally well-crafted characters, adding depth and richness to the story. The friendship between Vanessa and Trisha is a story within itself. It’s beautiful, inspiring, and the kind of friendship we all long to have.
The pacing of "Deceptive Calm" is another highlight. Skipper balances an atmosphere of unease and high tension with quieter, introspective scenes, creating a rhythm that keeps the reader hooked. The twists and turns are suspenseful with each revelation adding to the intrigue of the danger you can sense ahead.
Skipper's writing style is descriptive yet concise, allowing readers to vividly imagine the settings and emotional experiences as we follow Vanessa’s life throughout the book. Through high school first loves, great pain, loss, college, a highly successful career, to a wealthy stay-at-home wife and mother. The atmosphere the author creates is palpable, enhancing the overall reading experience.
The book is not without its flaws. Some plot points and sex scenes feel slightly contrived, and a few character decisions seem unrealistic, pulling the reader out of the story momentarily. Despite these minor issues, the overall quality of the narrative remains strong.
In conclusion, "Deceptive Calm" is a fascinating storyline that fans of thrillers and historical fiction readers will appreciate.
TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual Violence, Date Rape, Racism, Racial Slurs, Abortion with Graphic Bodily/Medical Descriptions, Domestic Sexual Abuse, Fatphobia
The protagonist, Vanessa, is a complex, multi-dimensional character whose journey as an African American passing as White created an exploration of identity and the depths of human deception for survival in that era. Skipper masterfully portrays her struggles and growth, making her a character readers can root for.
The supporting cast from Vanessa’s high school days; White childhood best friend, Trisha, Sister Rosalie, and Black high school boyfriend Barry Hale are all equally well-crafted characters, adding depth and richness to the story. The friendship between Vanessa and Trisha is a story within itself. It’s beautiful, inspiring, and the kind of friendship we all long to have.
The pacing of "Deceptive Calm" is another highlight. Skipper balances an atmosphere of unease and high tension with quieter, introspective scenes, creating a rhythm that keeps the reader hooked. The twists and turns are suspenseful with each revelation adding to the intrigue of the danger you can sense ahead.
Skipper's writing style is descriptive yet concise, allowing readers to vividly imagine the settings and emotional experiences as we follow Vanessa’s life throughout the book. Through high school first loves, great pain, loss, college, a highly successful career, to a wealthy stay-at-home wife and mother. The atmosphere the author creates is palpable, enhancing the overall reading experience.
The book is not without its flaws. Some plot points and sex scenes feel slightly contrived, and a few character decisions seem unrealistic, pulling the reader out of the story momentarily. Despite these minor issues, the overall quality of the narrative remains strong.
In conclusion, "Deceptive Calm" is a fascinating storyline that fans of thrillers and historical fiction readers will appreciate.
TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual Violence, Date Rape, Racism, Racial Slurs, Abortion with Graphic Bodily/Medical Descriptions, Domestic Sexual Abuse, Fatphobia
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Abortion
Moderate: Infidelity, Physical abuse, Violence, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Classism
Minor: Fatphobia, Car accident
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I am writing a paid review for this book, but while I finish it let me just say this is like the worst book I’ve ever read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Rape
Not a good book whatsoever.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual assault, Violence