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A review by the_one_krissy
Deerskin by Robin McKinley
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'm an emotional rater, and this little re-imagining of the Donkeyskin fairytale was an instant 5-star read for me. Anything that hits me in the feels like this is 5 stars automatically, no questions asked, no explanations given.
As you should know if you're familiar with the fairytale, it deals with extremely heavy, traumatising and painful themes like rape and incest, but I think it handles those respectfully, and overall the book has an atmospheric, almost dreamlike quality to it. Still, for anyone easily triggered by depictions of sexual assault, this book may be too much, so I'd recommend proceeding with caution. Lissar goes through absolute hell in this book.
I loved the characters and the new spin to the old fable. I loved the overall feeling of this book. I loved, loved the dogs! And there's a prince who's kindhearted and hardworking and cares a whole lot more about keeping a litter of motherless puppies alive than he cares about appearances or playing court. My heart! Ossin may not be the handsomest heir to the throne out there, but is he EVER the loveliest!
McKinley's books tend to resonate well with me in general, and this one is by far my favourite.
As you should know if you're familiar with the fairytale, it deals with extremely heavy, traumatising and painful themes like rape and incest, but I think it handles those respectfully, and overall the book has an atmospheric, almost dreamlike quality to it. Still, for anyone easily triggered by depictions of sexual assault, this book may be too much, so I'd recommend proceeding with caution. Lissar goes through absolute hell in this book.
I loved the characters and the new spin to the old fable. I loved the overall feeling of this book. I loved, loved the dogs! And there's a prince who's kindhearted and hardworking and cares a whole lot more about keeping a litter of motherless puppies alive than he cares about appearances or playing court. My heart! Ossin may not be the handsomest heir to the throne out there, but is he EVER the loveliest!
McKinley's books tend to resonate well with me in general, and this one is by far my favourite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Incest, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Animal cruelty