Deerskin
Deerskin
Book Brief
Beta384
Novel • Fiction
Fantasy Kingdom • Medieval Era
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Deerskin by Robin McKinley, a young princess endures significant trauma and flees her father's kingdom to find refuge and healing in a remote forest. Adopting a new identity as Deerskin, she forges a new life with the support of her dog, Ash, and rediscovers her inner strength and resilience.
Reviews & Readership
25,697 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Robin McKinley's Deerskin is praised for its lyrical prose and compelling retelling of a classic fairy tale, engaging readers with its rich character development and emotional depth. However, critiques mention its slow pacing and intense themes, making it a challenging read for some. Overall, it is lauded for its beauty and sensitivity in handling difficult subjects.
Who Should Read Deerskin?
Readers who appreciate dark, transformative fairy tales with strong, resilient heroines will love Deerskin by Robin McKinley. Fans of Snow White and Rose Red or Tanith Lee's White as Snow will find its blend of harrowing trials and ultimate healing compelling and beautifully crafted.
25,697 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Published in 1993, Deerskin is a retelling of a lesser-known Charles Perrault fairy tale called "Donkeyskin," providing McKinley's unique feminist perspective on traditional fairy tales.
Robin McKinley received the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1985 for her book The Hero and the Crown, highlighting her established reputation in fantasy literature by the time Deerskin was released.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
Deerskin is notable for its exploration of healing and identity, themes that have resonated with readers and contributed to discussions on how fantasy can tackle real-world issues.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
384
Novel • Fiction
Fantasy Kingdom • Medieval Era
2005
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!