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A review by paintedgiraffe
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
So I went into this assuming – purely from the title – that it was a YA paranormal retelling of David Copperfield. Haha, I have never been more wrong. No, it's an R-rated sh*tfest in the recent past, with nary a smidgen of fantasy or magic.
BUT! Once I got over the jarringly depressing tone, I enjoyed the ride. It wasn't always grimdark. There were hope spots along the way, increasing towards the end.
I myself was born in 1990 (2-3 years younger than the protagonist), so every reference to what was going on culturally really rang with me. (Furbies, Britney Spears, 9/11 followed by the extreme patriotism)
Other reviewers feel the plot was way too much about drugs and being addicted, but like...that was/is people's day-to-day. I learned a lot about the sick systemic-ness of it all.
BUT! Once I got over the jarringly depressing tone, I enjoyed the ride. It wasn't always grimdark. There were hope spots along the way, increasing towards the end.
I myself was born in 1990 (2-3 years younger than the protagonist), so every reference to what was going on culturally really rang with me. (Furbies, Britney Spears, 9/11 followed by the extreme patriotism)
Other reviewers feel the plot was way too much about drugs and being addicted, but like...that was/is people's day-to-day. I learned a lot about the sick systemic-ness of it all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Miscarriage, Racism, and Trafficking
Minor: Suicide, Car accident, and Abortion