A review by katrinky
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.25

I haven't like a BK book since prodigal summer in 2007, after she wrote 3 of my all-time faves in the first era of her career. this is the book I think she was trying to write for the last 3. they were her "return to Appalachia and write about country problems" starter wheels. I found them all overly obvious and preachy. this one had the same agenda but was subtle and let the story breathe. and SUCH  a love letter to the land; I found it extremely moving (and persuasive! I already love the Shenandoah valley, and am now devoted to going further west and exploring SW VA).  I loved the characters of Demon, Angus, Tommy, June and really all the Peggots, Annie, Mr. Armstrong, and Emmy. I also read a book about drug addiction for 540 pages without hating anybody!! I'm on the record as a huge asshole about addiction narratives, 100% of my empathy disappears and I turn into a full-blown Karen/Republican. but this one bucked the trend! Maybe I'm not a terrible person?! anyway, this book was excellent and I recommend it.
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