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A review by yajairat
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Really loved this, an excellent character study from start to finish. Kingsolver established such a distinct and memorable voice through Demon. As someone that is not really knowledgeable in Appalachia's history and contemporary issues (especially the opioid crisis), I learned a lot by reading this and made me reflect on my opinions about rural America. At times really bleak, but found the ending to be satisfying and left feeling with a sense of hope.
"It hit me pretty hard how there's no kind of sad in this world that will stop it turning. People will keep on wanting what they want, and you're on your own."
"you never know the size of hurt that's in people's hearts, or what they're liable to do about it , given the chance"
"and if I die no soul will pity
me.
And why should they since I
myself
find in myself no pity to
myself."
"Battle of Blair Mountain, that turned into the biggest war in America ever, other than the civil one. Twenty thousand guys from all over these mountains, fighting in regiments. They worse red bandannas on their necks to show they were all on the same side, working men. Mr. Armstrong said people calling us rednecks, that goes back to the red bandannas."
"Certain pitiful souls around here see whiteness as their last asset that hasn't been totaled or repossessed."
"You think you know where your own troubles lie, only to stare down the page and realize, no. Not there, It started earlier."
"It hit me pretty hard how there's no kind of sad in this world that will stop it turning. People will keep on wanting what they want, and you're on your own."
"you never know the size of hurt that's in people's hearts, or what they're liable to do about it , given the chance"
"and if I die no soul will pity
me.
And why should they since I
myself
find in myself no pity to
myself."
"Battle of Blair Mountain, that turned into the biggest war in America ever, other than the civil one. Twenty thousand guys from all over these mountains, fighting in regiments. They worse red bandannas on their necks to show they were all on the same side, working men. Mr. Armstrong said people calling us rednecks, that goes back to the red bandannas."
"Certain pitiful souls around here see whiteness as their last asset that hasn't been totaled or repossessed."
"You think you know where your own troubles lie, only to stare down the page and realize, no. Not there, It started earlier."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Sexual content