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bunky_jones's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Incest, Animal cruelty, Miscarriage, Animal death, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Confinement, Child abuse, and Rape
clevermird's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I've read and reviewed plenty of books by Robin McKinley before, and by now, I'm well-familiar with her signature style. A plucky but down-to-earth heroine (often with a love of horses), a fairytale-esque ambiance, a light romance plot, and a happy (if somewhat rushed) ending. In many ways, Deerskin is more of the same, but in just as many, it's completely different.
The most beautiful woman in the seven kingdoms is in need of a husband. Her father sets many tasks for the suitors, but in the end, the prince of another land wins her hand. Although the two are madly in love, the queen falls ill, leaving behind their young daughter and a plea for her husband to never marry again unless it is to a woman as beautiful as she is. As the princess grows into womanhood, her similarity to her mother becomes increasingly evident and her father makes a horrific choice. Beaten, traumatized, and half-mad with fear, the princess runs away and begins trying to survive in a world that she has never experienced before.
This book was rough. While I'm no stranger to dark and disturbing content, seeing it written out here in such a dreamy, restrained style added to the horror in ways I was not prepared for. From the very first page, we're hit by something "off" and the first segment of the story is extremely effective, slowly unwrapping the self-centered and shallow nature of the royal parents and the life their daughter leads, culminating in the horrific violation that provides the incitement for the rest of the book.
From there, the story follows the princess' survival and recovery - the two are inextricably intertwined - as she struggles through a winter alone in the woods and then seeks out a new life in another land. Each of these segments I think I enjoyed a bit less than the last, although I didn't dislike any of them. The climax is satisfying and, while perhaps I would have preferred a slightly more extended conflict, it didn't feel as rushed as some books by this author and I rather liked the slightly open-ended nature of the final scene. Healing, like many things in life, is not something that simply ends with Hallmark-movie neatness. McKinley's typical attention to horses as companions and protectors for the protagonist is swapped here for a focus on dogs, but the featuring of animals as characters in their own right is still endearing and brings a much-needed softness to an otherwise deeply sad story.
There are a few things to dislike, however. The story drags a bit toward the 2/3 mark and, while many of the more coincidental or "easy" moments in the story are acceptable in its nature as a fairytale retelling (this one being based on the story known in various iterations as "All Furs" or "Donkeyskin"), there were times when I found the resolutions slightly straining to disbelief. While I wasn't as bothered by it as I often might be - the focus here is on the princess' inner journey, not the events of the plot itself - it is still a mark against the book.
While Deerskin is a far cry from much of the authors' other work, I think it will wind up becoming one of my favorites, a portrayal of tragic and horrific circumstances suffused with hope and affection.
The most beautiful woman in the seven kingdoms is in need of a husband. Her father sets many tasks for the suitors, but in the end, the prince of another land wins her hand. Although the two are madly in love, the queen falls ill, leaving behind their young daughter and a plea for her husband to never marry again unless it is to a woman as beautiful as she is. As the princess grows into womanhood, her similarity to her mother becomes increasingly evident and her father makes a horrific choice. Beaten, traumatized, and half-mad with fear, the princess runs away and begins trying to survive in a world that she has never experienced before.
This book was rough. While I'm no stranger to dark and disturbing content, seeing it written out here in such a dreamy, restrained style added to the horror in ways I was not prepared for. From the very first page, we're hit by something "off" and the first segment of the story is extremely effective, slowly unwrapping the self-centered and shallow nature of the royal parents and the life their daughter leads, culminating in the horrific violation that provides the incitement for the rest of the book.
From there, the story follows the princess' survival and recovery - the two are inextricably intertwined - as she struggles through a winter alone in the woods and then seeks out a new life in another land. Each of these segments I think I enjoyed a bit less than the last, although I didn't dislike any of them. The climax is satisfying and, while perhaps I would have preferred a slightly more extended conflict, it didn't feel as rushed as some books by this author and I rather liked the slightly open-ended nature of the final scene. Healing, like many things in life, is not something that simply ends with Hallmark-movie neatness. McKinley's typical attention to horses as companions and protectors for the protagonist is swapped here for a focus on dogs, but the featuring of animals as characters in their own right is still endearing and brings a much-needed softness to an otherwise deeply sad story.
There are a few things to dislike, however. The story drags a bit toward the 2/3 mark and, while many of the more coincidental or "easy" moments in the story are acceptable in its nature as a fairytale retelling (this one being based on the story known in various iterations as "All Furs" or "Donkeyskin"), there were times when I found the resolutions slightly straining to disbelief. While I wasn't as bothered by it as I often might be - the focus here is on the princess' inner journey, not the events of the plot itself - it is still a mark against the book.
While Deerskin is a far cry from much of the authors' other work, I think it will wind up becoming one of my favorites, a portrayal of tragic and horrific circumstances suffused with hope and affection.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, Animal cruelty, Rape, Sexual violence, and Blood
Moderate: Death of parent, Mental illness, Adult/minor relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, and Child abuse
Minor: Animal death
sigynmoon's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is a beautiful book. Absolutely stunning. It is deep and emotional and portrays trauma with a deep understanding. This was a truly empowering and healing story to read, rendering you raw and then comforting you afterwards. I also deeply appreciate the portrayal of friendship between people and animals and how these relationships were taken completely seriously and never came second. All in all, this book is instantly held as a favourite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Miscarriage, Rape, Death of parent, and Incest
Hunting scenes are sometimes described in detail, especially one in particular, hence the graphic animal death. It is mentioned that a dog died after giving birth.maria_s's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Incest, Panic attacks/disorders, and Rape
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Animal cruelty
Minor: Animal death and Death of parent
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