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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
bespectacledone's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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
5.0
A very difficult story told beautifully and with great care, but it still could be triggering to many people so please heed the content warnings. McKinley handles her dark subject matter so well though, that I really enjoyed this story of growth, and I found the ending very satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Incest, Sexual assault, and Rape
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, and Medical content
Minor: Excrement
coris's review against another edition
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Child abuse, and Rape
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Fatphobia
gracefully_jk's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Blood, Physical abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Suicidal thoughts, Rape, Incest, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Child abuse, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Animal cruelty, and Excrement
felinity's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
If ever there were a writer born to retell folk and fairy tales, it's Robin McKinley. Her language is amazingly descriptive, rich in texture and subtle in use. You have to take your time reading these books, wallowing blissfully in her prose as she draws you into the character, the plot, the magic.
Deerskin is a beautiful retelling of an old tale, sometimes known as Donkeyskin (with a Storyteller variant of Sapsorrow). Despite the tragic and distasteful key to the plot, it is handled wonderfully, not discounted as often happens nor dwelled upon, but treated reverently and carefully, with delicacy and understanding. You survive with Lissar, and then you live with her. I can't say how many times I've read this; it's at least a dozen. Each time I marvel again at Robin McKinley's talent with words.
Deerskin is a beautiful retelling of an old tale, sometimes known as Donkeyskin (with a Storyteller variant of Sapsorrow). Despite the tragic and distasteful key to the plot, it is handled wonderfully, not discounted as often happens nor dwelled upon, but treated reverently and carefully, with delicacy and understanding. You survive with Lissar, and then you live with her. I can't say how many times I've read this; it's at least a dozen. Each time I marvel again at Robin McKinley's talent with words.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Rape, and Incest
jessicafee86's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
And what he saw was a Moon-haired woman in a Moon-colored dress with a tall Moon-colored dog at her side. She was barefoot, and her hair hung down her back in a single long plait. Her dress was so white it almost hurt the eyes, while the dog’s long curly coat was softer, silver-grey, almost fawn, like the Moon in a summer fog.
There are so many things that I could say about this book, it is one of my all time favorite books. I've read it at least 15 or 20 times over the years. It's a tough read for a lot of reasons, the content is very adult in nature and is a very tough topic to read about. The book is also a slow writing style and takes a bit to get started but it's well worth it. Some people have problems getting past the first part because of the *spoiler alert!* incest between her and her father and the seemingly calm way that she seems to handle it. But it makes more sense when you keep reading and is such a beautiful story. I've never come across a book like this one before, it's definitely not for everyone, but it's worth trying.
2018 Re-read Update: Been a few years since I've read this and it's still just as good as I remember.
2024 Re-Read: It's funny how six years can bring out different feelings. I had forgotten how many things in this book shaped me as a person when I was growing up. I don't think I will ever not love this book. Discovered it around 25 yrs ago and it's still the only book I've re-read consistently.
There are so many things that I could say about this book, it is one of my all time favorite books. I've read it at least 15 or 20 times over the years. It's a tough read for a lot of reasons, the content is very adult in nature and is a very tough topic to read about. The book is also a slow writing style and takes a bit to get started but it's well worth it. Some people have problems getting past the first part because of the *spoiler alert!* incest between her and her father and the seemingly calm way that she seems to handle it. But it makes more sense when you keep reading and is such a beautiful story. I've never come across a book like this one before, it's definitely not for everyone, but it's worth trying.
2018 Re-read Update: Been a few years since I've read this and it's still just as good as I remember.
2024 Re-Read: It's funny how six years can bring out different feelings. I had forgotten how many things in this book shaped me as a person when I was growing up. I don't think I will ever not love this book. Discovered it around 25 yrs ago and it's still the only book I've re-read consistently.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Grief, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, Incest, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Animal cruelty, Adult/minor relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Body horror, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
planreadrepeat's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Incest, Rape, Violence, Blood, and Death of parent
sigynmoon's review against another edition
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.ashleyjapan's review against another edition
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Incest, Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Confinement, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Dysphoria, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical trauma
Minor: Violence, Toxic relationship, Terminal illness, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Misogyny, and Miscarriage