Demon Copperhead

by Barbara Kingsolver
Demon Copperhead cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 709
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9786064021304
  • Publisher: Editura Trei
  • Formats: 26
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Demon Copperhead follows the life of a boy born to a teenage mother struggling with addiction, left to navigate the harsh realities of abandonment, exploitation, and loss. With a sharp wit and an extraordinary ability to endure, he faces the challenges of his upbringing with a spirit that captivates readers. The novel is a powerful homage to Charles Dickens' classic, transposing the Victorian setting to contemporary America, where poverty and systemic failures shape the lives of its characters. Barbara Kingsolver crafts a story that is both heart-wrenching and beautifully evocative, bringing to life one of the most memorable characters in modern literature. Through Demon's journey, the novel explores themes of identity, survival, and the transformative power of storytelling. Kingsolver's vivid prose and deep empathy for her characters create a narrative that is as intense as it is compassionate, offering a stark yet hopeful portrait of resilience in the face of adversity.

Reviews
Luke Harkness · 2024-06-26
intriguing 4.00

Despite being pessimistic and depressing, the book is incredibly enjoyable due to Kingsolver's writing and wonderful characters.

This reviewer acknowledges that the book is pessimistic and depressing, but they find it incredibly enjoyable thanks to Kingsolver's writing and the wonderful characters. The story's dark themes are balanced by the strength of the narrative and the depth of the characters, making it a compelling read despite its heavy subject matter.

Quick quotes

    Demon Copperhead is a pessimistic and depressing book but incredibly enjoyable thanks to Kingsolver's writing and wonderful characters.

    The story's dark themes are balanced by the strength of the narrative.

    The depth of the characters makes it a compelling read.

Libro Fulltime · Libro Fulltime Reviewer · 2023-12-23
great 4.20

The book is engaging and hard to put down, with a loved protagonist. It's a dark read but has moments of hope and humour.

The reviewer from Libro Fulltime finds the book engaging and hard to put down, praising the protagonist for being well-developed and relatable. They acknowledge that the book is a dark read but appreciate the moments of hope and humour that balance the story. The reviewer also notes the author's skill in creating a vivid and immersive world, making the reading experience enjoyable despite the heavy themes.

Quick quotes

    It was engaging and I could not put it down.

    Loved her protagonist. Yes, this was a dark read, but there were moments of hope and humor.

    The author's skill in creating a vivid and immersive world is commendable.

Julia's Books · Julia · 2023-09-18
brilliant 4.50

The book is a standout piece of work and well-deserved winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction. It's praised for its powerful storytelling and compelling narrative.

Julia believes this book is a standout piece of work and a well-deserved winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction. She highlights its powerful storytelling and compelling narrative, making it a memorable read. The book's exploration of its themes is both impactful and timely. Julia appreciates the author's ability to weave a rich tapestry of characters and settings, making the story resonate deeply with readers.

Quick quotes

    It's a well-deserved winner of this year's Women's Prize for Fiction, a stand-out piece of work in what was a very strong field.

    The book is a powerful and compelling narrative that resonates deeply.

    The author's ability to weave a rich tapestry of characters and settings is commendable.

The Guardian · Guardian Reviewer · 2022-11-10
good 4.00

The narrator's voice is likable and nuanced, enhanced by a slangy southern spin. The book is praised for its humour and pathos.

The reviewer from The Guardian finds the narrator's voice to be likable and nuanced, enhanced by a slangy southern spin. They appreciate the humour and pathos in the story, which makes it engaging and enjoyable. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to capture the essence of its setting and characters, making it a memorable read. However, they feel the book could have delved deeper into some of its themes.

Quick quotes

    As a narrator, Demon is every bit as likable and nuanced as David, and the humour and pathos of his voice are enhanced by a slangy southern spin.

    The book captures the essence of its setting and characters beautifully.

    The story is engaging and enjoyable, with a good balance of humour and pathos.

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