Deerskin

Reader reviewed by Beth

This book was breathtaking.  The subject matter was more than a little disturbing at times, but McKinley's writing is so extraordinary that it created beauty where there could have only been pain and darkness.  The plot and characters are rendered with amazing humanity, giving the book the undefinable quality that makes it more than just a good story.  One could say that I loved the book and be right.  It was an incredible story from an incredible author.

Reader reviewed by Janine

I thought this book was really good, even if it confused me at first. I have read it twice. The first time was like what happened to the baby? who is this woman? and so on. STill, I thought it was great. McKinley is such a great author. Her wrting style is superb. Her details are amazing, she practically says how many freckles are a little girl face, and how many nose hair a fat guy has. My favorite part was when the king said the he wanted to marry Lissar and what happened after in that general area. It really shows the human emotion at its fullest.

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.

Reader reviewed by Susan/Mrs. Fleming's Class

This book is amazing!!! It's about a princess who's mother, who was the pretiest person in the whole world, dies and her father, themost handsomest person in the whole world, wants to marry her. and she has a dog named Ash who helps her all the way, she strives through hardship but still comes through. It's Amazing!this book would be best for ages 12+

Reader reviewed by Gretchen

This book was, in an amazing way and in my opinion, Robin McKinley's best book. It's based on the tale "Donkeyskin" by Charles Perrault. (Which wasn't usually published w/ his other stories because some parts of it weren't really fairy tale-like.) It delves a lot deeper into human emotions and inner conflicts than her other books. Its really intense sometimes.

I remember I told the basic plot to a few of my friends and one of them actually screamed when I told her the part when the king murders Lissar and Ash. Woops, gotta seal those lips for those who might read it! And I definitly think a lot of people will read it, because the style is just fantastic. Every word counts, and that's the way you know a good book.