Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Title: Demon Copperhead
Author: Barbara Kingsolver
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary
Year of Publication: 2022
Date of Publication: October 18, 2022
Pages: 560
ISBN-13: 9780063251922

Our Rating of This Book

Summary

This story is set in the Appalachian region and follows a boy named Damon Fields, nicknamed “Demon Copperhead” because of his striking copper hair. Demon was born into poverty and faces hardship in a community ravaged by addiction and systemic neglect.

Orphaned young, Demon has to deal with the challenges of foster care, addiction, and the harsh realities of growing up in rural America.

Through Demon’s voice, the author highlights themes of survival, resilience, and the determination to find hope in seemingly hopeless circumstances.

Main Plot & Characters

The protagonist, Demon Copperhead, is a resilient boy born into poverty in rural Virginia.

He endures a turbulent childhood marked by loss, exploitation, and a relentless battle against the opioid crisis affecting his community.

Along the way, he meets a cast of characters who shape his life, from foster families and friends to mentors who offer moments of hope.

Demon’s story has so many lows but it also has some highs. The friendships he builds as he grows up all play a major role in his story and throughout the novel.

Key Themes of Demon Copperhead

Kingsolver highlights the struggles of rural America, particularly the impact of the opioid epidemic on individuals and families.

Through Demon’s journey, the novel also explores the idea of self-worth, identity, and the importance of community, shedding light on the often-overlooked resilience of people in marginalized communities.

Writing Style

Kingsolver’s writes with a voice that captures the authenticity of Demon’s perspective. Structurally, the book is solid and the characters are likeable. The author beautifully brings the characters to life. Yes, they are flawed but they are also very hopeful.

The character Demon himself is a very funny character with a great personality. Kingslover writes in a way that conveys both the beauty and brutality of Demon’s world.

Impact of Demon Copperhead

Demon Copperhead won several major awards. It was a co-recipient of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (sharing the honor with Hernan Diaz’s Trust), won the 2023 Women’s Prize for Fiction (making Kingsolver the first author to win it twice), and also received the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction.