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A review by felinity
Deerskin by Robin McKinley
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: Incest, Rape, and Death of parent