Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Riney

Robin McKinley does it again with another retelling, this time of the story, Donkeyskin by Charles Perrault.

In the novel, McKinley follows the life of a very beautiful princess, Lissar. Lissar is unlike any other princess for she enjoys solitude and likes to be in the company of her dog, Ash. Lissar's life takes a sudden turn after the death of her mother, and when her father starts to take an interest in her. After a horrific event, Lissar runs away, to seek rebirth and try to survive in the world.

Although this is a fantasy novel, it isn't full of magic or swords or adventures. This novel focuses more on human developement and how a person gets over something like rape. Because of the dark themes, it is not good for young children, but nevertheless, it is a worthy read.