Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

Deerskin by Robin McKinley

13 reviews

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. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death

Moderate: Incest, Miscarriage, Rape, and Death of parent

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.

Ash is viciously attacked in a way that can be disturbing and is written brutally but survives. Ash almost dies again later in the book but again survives. All main dogs, including the litter of puppies, survive and live happy lives.

Whilst the rape is on page, it is not described. However, the wounds and pain that is described are still disturbing and the book focuses heavily on the trauma. I would say the miscarriage is the same. The death of the protagonist's mother hangs over the story and follows her quite consistently, however it is unclear if the protagonist mourns her.

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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Physical abuse, and Rape

Moderate: Animal cruelty, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Miscarriage, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, and Violence

maria_s's review against another edition

challenging dark tense

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Incest, Panic attacks/disorders, and Rape

Moderate: Animal cruelty and Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Animal death and Death of parent