Deerskin is divided into three parts, a fitting number, since three is often the magic number in fairy tales. The tripartite structure also suggests a cycle of death/journey/rebirth. Part 1 ends when Lissar gives herself over to death after the rape. Her welcoming of death is indicated by the description of the cold creeping up her body like the touch of an animal; the only love Lissar has known is the touch of an animal, that of her dog. Part 2 opens with Lissar being called back. This is the opening of the longest portion of the book, Lissar's extremely challenging journey. Terribly injured and wounded in spirit, she at first can think only of her immediate physical needs.

Eventually, she progresses and finally reDeerskin 153 gains her memory. This section ends with a second trauma, which reopens old hurts.

When Ossin asks Lissar to marry him...