Reviews

Deerskin by Robin McKinley

jelomath's review

Read 9-10 May 2019

10 May (29%): K, on p. 112, and i can’t continue. I never signed up for incestuous rape. I also never signed up for obsession with beauty. And, the narrative drags and drags and drags. Boring but also terrible. Can’t. Life is too short. 

I am tapping out of not only this book, but Robin McKinley in general. Put her on the shelf with child-molester Marion Zimmer Bradly. Byeeeee. 

moleplayingrough's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective 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? No

4.0

caitiline's review against another edition

2.0

Deerkskin , by Robin McKinley is the second book of hers I have read, and, like the first, The Hero and the Crown , there was just something about the writing style that I could not relate to.
I found myself quite bored through the opening section of the novel. I understand that it is a retelling of a fairy tale and so has that detached narrative style, yet I couldn't connect to the characters, nor could I sense any sort of "reality" in it. The middle section of the book I enjoyed more, Lissar's journey through the forest and her eventual transformation. It was nicely written with some beautiful descriptions, yet still I couldn't find that connection with the characters. Whilst the novel dealt with some heavy issues (I actually think she did this well), I found it very bland and there was just something lacking that I cannot put my finger on. Perhaps I am more used to fantasy novels with lots going on, wars, political intrigue, complicated story lines..
I'm sure that some people will enjoy the slow build and the gentle tone, but it was just not for me.

parhelion's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

ameenah_94's review against another edition

2.0

2.5

hollowistheworld's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Incest, Sexual assault, and Pregnancy

moocowimpi's review against another edition

5.0

What an absolutely amazing story....I was dragged in from the first by the fluid and descriptive way of writing.

I can honestly say that this is now one of my favorite reads!

nmorin's review against another edition

4.0

3.5? A beautiful story but not too much happened for how long it was? I was confused by

Spoiler

the early focus on the mother and the portrait especially; seemed to spend a lot of time on it, but it was referenced very little later in the book, or ever explained why the queen said what she did about 'marry someone only more beautiful than me'; did she want him to marry the daughter? Or did the anticipate that and she trying to prevent that?

tani's review against another edition

4.0

Even with all the trigger warnings on so many reviews, I found myself a little bit shocked at how very dark this was. Seriously, guys, there's rape and abuse and incest herein, and it's not pretty. What is pretty is the care that Robin McKinley takes with the character of Lissar and her recovery from these things. She is a truly detailed character, which is always my jam, and McKinley writes her with such care and understanding that I couldn't help but love her. Not to mention that the writing is quite lyrical, the fairy tale feeling is prevalent, and the dogs are wonderful. In short, I really enjoyed this one!

mamap's review against another edition

2.0

too much blood and unhappiness for this to be a good book. and i don't like this style of writing.