Deerskin by Robin McKinley

Description:


As Princess Lissar reaches womanhood, it is clear to all the kingdom that in her breathtaking beauty she is the mirror image of her mother, the queen. But this seeming blessing forces her to flee for safety from her father's wrath. With her loyal dog Ash at her side, Lissar will unlock a door to a world of magic, where she will find the key to her survival-and an adventure beyond her wildest dreams.


My Review:

Deerskin by Robin McKinley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Princess Lissar grew up with a gorgeous mother. But after her mother died, her father was at loose ends. When she finally became an adult, at the proper age of marriage, her father does an unspeakable thing that forces Lissar to runaway with her fleethound Ash. The moon goddess takes pity upon her, changing how she looks, veiling her memories, and sending her to another country. There she meets Prince Ossin, the original breeder of Ash. She starts working for him as the wetnurse for some orphaned puppies. Slowly as she begins to remember, she also realizes that she is falling in love with Ossin. Can she heal from the wounds she bears and still find love with Ossin?


This is the retelling of the fairy tale Donkeyskin. Lissar is a wounded princess who runs away to save herself, and to hopefully start anew. You can't help but hurt for her as she tries to heal herself, but in the end it takes the help of the moon goddess to help her through it.


I love Ossin. He isn't a good looking prince, rather a plain man. He takes Lissar in and gives her a job. He begins to fall in love with her, and even begins to realize who she really is. He is gentle, even after discovering what has happened to her, to the point that you hope that they will make it to a happily-ever-after.


On a whole, this book is a dark fairy tale talks of rape, incest, miscarriage, and death. This is not appropriate for all ages, and can be too graphic for some people. But, if you think you can handle it, it is a good read.


Happy Reading!


Cana