Deerskin

You know, sometimes you just need some escapist fantasy. McKinley's lyrical prose was just the ticket for me last night. There were a few times where I thought “I'd like to know what happens next, quit with the digression already” but then I got caught up in the digression itself! I've read several of McKinley's books - The Hero and the Crown, Pegasus, a few others. She is a master of her craft, weaving magical tales that make you really SEE the world of the book.

Lissar/Deerskin survives some intense trauma in the beginning of this tale - it was hard to read, but McKinley hit the middle ground of being just graphic enough to really impress the horror of the assault on you, without being overly graphic. I think it could definitely be triggering, though, so be warned. Lissar survives, and escapes, and spends time healing before going among people again and learning to heal emotionally as well as physically.

The book is predictable - I knew where she was going and who she'd fall in love with from the moment she left home - but no less absorbing for that. I did like that for once, an author dealt with trauma recovery in a realistic manner, instead of just “oh well she loves him so the trauma won't bother her anymore!” because PTSD doesn't work that way.

Deerskin is another enchanting tale from McKinley, with parts that are genuinely hard to read. I wish the description had been more blatant that when Lissar is fleeing “her father's lust” they really meant his assault, not just his desire.

You can find all my reviews at Goddess in the Stacks.