A review by elizapease
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Barbara Kingsolver's empathetic and insightful writing about the south, appalachia,  and class divides has yet to disappoint. Demon Copperhead is a deeply poignant, touching, and rich story centered around the foster care system, addiction, and poverty. I was blown away by the way Demon, the main character, was written, and I have yet to read any book with such incredible character development. His childlike, inquisitive nature at the beginning of the book gradually evolves as Demon faces trauma, becomes a pre-teen, experiences loss, goes to high school, undergoes addiction, and continues to evolve into his adulthood. This is the some of the most dynamic writing I have ever read. I fell in love with Demon’s character, and felt like I personally knew and grew up alongside him. I found myself laughing aloud at his snarky and mischievous comments, cheering for his wins, and crying (more like violently sobbing) over his losses. If you are not familiar with Appalachian culture, as I am not, you will appreciate this profound and empathetic look at a part of this country that is often overlooked. In it’s essence, this is a book about humanity. This book, and Demon’s character, will stay with me forever. 
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