From the Bookshelf of Into the Forest…

Deerskin

Robin McKinley

Start date: November 30, 2011

Finish date: January 29, 2012

Why we're reading this: Retelling of the Dress of Gold, Silver and Stars/Donkeyskin. Does contain disturbing/triggering subject m…more
[close] Retelling of the Dress of Gold, Silver and Stars/Donkeyskin. Does contain disturbing/triggering subject matter.

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Dec 20, 2011 Elaine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, favorites

I often read a novel with my feelings first and my mind second. Consequently there are some books that take so much out of me I resolve never to read them again. Wuthering Heights was one of these and so was Tess of the d'Urbervilles.
At the start of Deerskin I found myself wondering if my emotions would be engaged at all. I soon discoved the cleverness of Robin McKinley; as the story moved from being about her distant parents and the people of their kingdom to about Lissar herself it became more I often read a novel with my feelings first and my mind second. Consequently there are some books that take so much out of me I resolve never to read them again. Wuthering Heights was one of these and so was Tess of the d'Urbervilles.
At the start of Deerskin I found myself wondering if my emotions would be engaged at all. I soon discoved the cleverness of Robin McKinley; as the story moved from being about her distant parents and the people of their kingdom to about Lissar herself it became more real and engaging. As Lissar began to get to know herself, who she was , what she wanted , so did I. As the story progressed my emotions were totally engaged, and at times ravished!
Lissar, a princess, is born to vain and selfish parents.Not only do their own lives revolve exclusively around themselves but their whole kingdom's inhabitants appear to be bewitched by them and buy in to the lie of their life. Lissar grows up in their shadow, sheltered from the world not by their protection but by their indifference and neglect, barely knowing herself except as their daughter. This childhood was no preparation for the death of her mother and her fathers resulting obsession with her and eventual abuse of her on her 17th birthday.

The story is about Lissars very slow and painful recovery from trauma; a process of self discovery and growth. It is dark and painful, oh so painful, it's horrifying but increasingly reassuring and hopeful. At times its full of beauty , wonder and love. It's never boring. My mind wasn't disapointed either as the prose is stunningly beautiful at times and never drags. Towards the end I must confess I was tempted to do as I did as a child and turn to the last page to see how it ends :) However I have to keep up some pretence at adulthood and resisted the temptatation and so didn't miss a single compelling description or lovely moment.

Robin McKinley has rushed straight to being one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read more. Despite being dark in places its has so much hope, joy and beauty in it that I will certainly read it again . Highly reccommended. ...more

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