Reviews tagging 'Self harm'

Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver

3 reviews

qqjj's review against another edition

challenging dark funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Medical trauma, Drug abuse, Trafficking, Vomit, Self harm, Physical abuse, Mental illness, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Medical content, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Eating disorder, Domestic abuse, Death, Homophobia, Forced institutionalization, Addiction, Drug use, Sexual violence, Miscarriage, Injury/injury detail, and Death of parent

titz_lol's review against another edition

dark emotional sad fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Drug use, Physical abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Addiction, Abandonment, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Self harm, Alcohol, Child death, and Drug abuse

laurahastoomanywips's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is a modern re-telling of Dicken's "David Copperfield" but I don't think you need to have read the original to read this.
Kingsolver sets this version in modern day Virginia and neighbouring states in the Southern US amidst the prescription and illegal drugs epidemic created by Oxytocin.
This was a much more challenging read than the original, perhaps due to a combination of it being modern and the life events for "Damon Fields" or "Demon Copperhead" as he is nicknamed are so much more horrific than in Dicken's tale.
This was beautifully written, very colourful characters, his friend Maggot was particularly memorable, which I think helped keep me reading through the various tragic situations.
I think this will be one of my books of the year, and will no doubt be a popular read, possibly a modern-day classic.
With thanks to the author and The Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read ahead of publication.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Drug use

Moderate: Toxic friendship, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Injury/injury detail, Child abuse, and Death

Minor: Self harm

The child abuse is mainly in the form of neglect