Demon Copperhead: A Novel

Born to a destitute, addicted teenage mom in the heart of Appalachia, Damon has to depend on the kindness of neighbors for many of his needs. After his mother dies, Child Protective Services decides his neighbors aren’t an appropriate placement. The foster system takes Damon from bad to worse through the years. Football seems to be his way out until Damon suffers a terrible injury and the doctor treats the pain with oxytocin, but Damon has no insurance to cover treatment for the injury. This starts Damon down a road few survive.

Barbara Kingsolver’s homage to David Copperfield stays true to Dickens’ passionate criticism of the institutional poverty found in so many social structures as well as his rich, complex characters and storytelling. Bringing this classic into the modern era in no way takes away from the story. Kingsolver, with extraordinary storytelling techniques and beautiful writing, makes the leap through time and location a seamless one. For fans of the original, she borrows some names (or near names) to complete her homage and keep readers grounded. Damon’s voice, as he tells his own story, is powerful and pitch-perfect as he grows and matures. Don’t miss this one.