A review by christinereichard
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

challenging emotional funny informative inspiring sad 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

4.5

I wish I read this in a book club.

I love this kid. I felt for him through every corner, every word of his story. Like yes, the themes of childhood poverty, resilience, social stratification...Those were all potent and well-delivered here. But I just love Demon. Barbara Kingsolver's voice for him was so very charming and engaging.

The parts that especially engaged me were his childhood at home with Mom & Stoner and then his life with Dori, for separate but overlapping reasons. The section with Mom & Stoner because I was just genuinely concerned for this stepdad ruining a kid's life. Then Dori, because it was plain painful but real to see Demon be with someone that you can't love hard enough to fix. I've been there and that's what made Dori so...I don't know. Haunting? Both of these sections together -- Demon took care of his mom and Dori in the same way so they stand out as a pair.

That one part of the ending made enough sense to me and I wasn't mad at it, but I agree with most that it could've been better developed. Overall amazing! 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings