What themes can be found in "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper?

Amos Osinya · Post by **Amos Osinya** » 02 Sep 2024, 15:16

The kinship theme is seen through Vanessa and Trisha's relationship. The theme of racial identity is seen through Vanessa, a black American woman.

Goodness Kene · Post by **Goodness Kene** » 05 Sep 2024, 01:02

Friendship, racism, resilience, loyalty, history effect, acceptance...

Goodness Kene · Post by **Goodness Kene** » 05 Sep 2024, 01:35

Friendship, racism, resilience, loyalty, history effect, acceptance...
These are important contemporary topics and values, and I love that all of these where portrayed uniquely and interwoven in story.

Post by **Onyinyechi Obi** » 05 Sep 2024, 10:43

I think another common kinship/bond is the struggle women faced during this time period in their careers. It was hard to be taken seriously in the workplace and even harder to climb the ladder within the company as a woman. They both had a common thread of never giving up.

Post by **Onyinyechi Obi** » 05 Sep 2024, 10:44

I think another common kinship/bond is the struggle women faced during this time period in their careers. It was hard to be taken seriously in the workplace and even harder to climb the ladder within the company as a woman. They both had a common thread of never giving up.

Post by **Anthony Ambrose** » 06 Sep 2024, 06:47

The book explores themes of personal transformation and sexuality, centering on Vanessa's journey to improve her life by changing her identity and moving to California. Though her methods are questionable, her intention is to seek a more meaningful existence. Sexuality is another key theme, with Vanessa's exploration influenced by her Catholic upbringing, leaving her largely passive until Tod initiates her sexual awakening. In contrast, other characters like Barry and Trisha engage more actively in exploring their sexuality, with Trisha even participating in a threesome due to her less rigid religious background.

Francis Omotayo Aderogbin · Post by **Francis Omotayo Aderogbin** » 09 Sep 2024, 11:43

The themes in this book are racism, perseverance, friendship and loyalty, acceptance and survival. There are others that are silent, but these ones are the prominent ones.

Chinazo Anozie · Post by **Chinazo Anozie** » 11 Sep 2024, 05:06

Majority of the themes in Deceptive Calm deal with social issues, a major one being racism, which is so important, considering the setting of the book. Racism indeed shapes Vanessa's decisions and life.

Dubem Jecinta · Post by **Dubem Jecinta** » 18 Sep 2024, 22:35

The novel explores several important themes, including racial identity, self-acceptance, resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of belonging. Vanessa’s struggle with her identity as a Black woman in a racially charged society and Trisha’s unwavering friendship illustrate the complexities of race and loyalty. The theme of guilt, particularly surrounding racial tensions, is also prevalent, alongside the quest for justice and healing.

Post by **Daisy Jewel** » 19 Sep 2024, 10:36

"Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper explores themes of friendship, kinship, and perseverance, along with self-discovery, hidden truths, emotional healing, love, loss, and personal growth. These intertwined themes create a rich and engaging narrative.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 20 Sep 2024, 17:06

Some of the themes that got my attention were systemic racism, the divide between rich and poor, sexual consent, sexual assault, rising up from hardship, and unconditional love.

Hay-bee Tosan · Post by **Hay-bee Tosan** » 21 Sep 2024, 18:19

Key themes include identity and race, personal transformation, the impact of history on individual lives, and the societal pressures that force individuals to confront their true selves. The book also touches on themes of reinvention, deception, and the search for belonging.

Elijah Miller · Post by **Elijah Miller** » 24 Sep 2024, 17:07

The book revolves around the primary themes of Acceptance (into the society) and the feeling of belonging. Both are kind of the same.

Skylar Fox · Post by **Skylar Fox** » 26 Sep 2024, 01:33

I value my friends a lot and in times when I need them, I appreciate how they come through for me. I think what stood out for me was the theme of friendship and how important it is to persevere.