thepassingfancy's Reviews (335)

Demon Copperhead

Barbara Kingsolver

5.0

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Goodness, I loved this book. Demon Copperhead is a retelling of David Copperfield (I haven't read that, so no comment on the similarities) and follows the youth and adolescence of Damon ("Demon") in rural Appalachia in the late '90s/early '00s. Demon is born into socioeconomic disadvantage, and experiences poverty, food insecurity, neglect, abuse, grief, and addiction, but also curiosity, humor, insight, care, mentoring, compassion, and love. I can't remember the last time I just loved a narrator and his voice so much. Demon, and so many of the characters in this story, are so well-drawn and vibrant. I just wanted to hear Demon talk about his life, his interested, his hopes, and even his grievances. I loved Demon in the same way I love Tim Riggins and James "Sawyer" Ford (iykyk) -- characters born into unfair circumstances who get by on charisma, hard work, and humor, who you just can't help but root for.

Content Warnings