Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver


One of my favorite authors finally came out with a new book and it did not disappoint!  Tough subject: opioid epidemic, and handled with such dignity.

Kingsolver retells the story of David Copperfield in the context of modern-day Appalachia.  I never ready Dickens (I hate to admit that!) but am familiar enough with Copperfield to see the connections to what Dickens was conveying.

What stands out in this book is her amazing capability to bring life to these characters - both the "good" ones and the "bad" ones.  None of the addicts can be blamed for their habit; society is to blame.

I love the way she describes Appalachia - lovingly - so despite what the reader may have in terms of preconceived notions, we learn to love the beauty of it.

There's so much here;  I wanted to read it again as soon as I finished. It took me a long time to read; it's not a short book. It deserved more time than I gave it, however.  Reading this book also made me want to re-read "the Poisonwood Bible" as I recall that as being one of the best books I ever read!

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