Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver / This Book Should Win All The Awards
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- I've been considering what books will be contenders for book awards this year. After rereading Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver I'm convinced this novel deserves to take all the trophies. Click ‘Show More’ for info.
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Oh Eric - I loved Demon Copperhead.. I'm still thinking about Demon, Maggot, Angus and Dory and the brilliant Peggott clan several weeks after completing it. Just such a compelling, powerful book and the acknowledgement at the end to children in poverty had me in tears 😢
Yes, so many vivid characters and a powerful message.
I was so excited to watch your review. I just finished reading Demon Copperhead within the past month. Barbara Kingsolver is definitely a genius. One thing I will say is that as much as I enjoyed the level of skill of writing and the depth of humanity, the downside is that it felt at times like a marathon of human misery, and was emotionally exhausting. Excellent review, Eric!
Yes, lots of difficult subject matter and scenes. However, it didn't feel like the author was creating obstacles for the sake of narrative drama but because they are natural challenges he would encounter or witness in his life. It did make for some difficult reading at points though!
Thank you so much for making this video, I just finished the book yesterday and yet I’m not ready to be done with it!! I want to keep discussing it and being in awe of it, that’s how I got to this video in the first place.
I loved how you described the voice of Demon, he is so funny and as you said “completely convincing”!! I kept wondering if this was based off of a real person.
For me, it was a necessary and humanizing perspective of these communities in Appalachia that, as he says, are often the butt of jokes. I learned so much while simultaneously being so emotionally invested, it just really impacted me.
Thanks again for your content, looking forward to hearing more of your reviews!
finished it a couple of weeks ago and definitely my best book of the year so far - blown away! I hope it wins all the awards too! I heard it described on the NYT podcast as having a 'realistic kind of hope' which I thought was so beautiful and so true. I was so moved by the writing and kingsolver's scene-setting, absolutely wonderful
Oh wow, yes, that's an excellent way to describe the novel. Just excellent!
I just finished this book after binge reading it over a week. You beautifully summarized for everyone who has read it and those who have not. I am like you - want to read it again before I return it to the library.
How much I agree with you. Thank you for this. I reread ‘David Copperfield’ before I started this and am quite amazed at how skilfully the author used characters and events in the novel and transferred them to this modern context. The character of Demon is so carefully imagined that yes you believe in him, you are on his side. A brilliant book indeed.
Yes, totally agree! I’ll have to read the Dickens at some point before returning to Kingsolver’s novel again.
I too loved this book, though I struggled at times because I dreaded what would happen to Demon at times. That is how real he became for - I just wanted to take him in my arms and care for him
Yes, it was very tense in some parts and difficult to read the abuse he received - though he was narrating it retrospectively so you knew he’d survive.
I'm convinced that Demon Copperhead will be my favorite book of 2023. Such an astonishing novel. As you said, it's masterful how Kingsolver does this. I'm a big fan of hers. Amazing book that is going to stay with me for a long, long time. I need to know what happens after the final scene! GIVE THIS BOOK ALL THE AWARDS!!!!!
I feel like I'm the only one who found this book boring. There's no character growth and very little plot. The narrative seemed to jump from one traumatic incident to another to overly convince the reader that society and systems have screwed over Demon and his community.
Eta: I agree with your review in part - it's very well written and Demon is a well-crafted character. I managed to finish the book but it was a struggle to hold my interest - I kept wishing for more consistent action.
Another great vid, Eric. You have added so many titles to my TBR list and here's another one! I might push this book up the list though, I think. Btw, I watched "The Quiet Girl" the other night. I absolutely loved it. I was really pleased that the filmmakers respected Claire Keegan's beautiful novella so well.
Thank you! And I’m so glad you loved “The Quiet Girl” - such a beautiful film adaptation.
OMG. Recently finished Demon Copperhead and just cannot stop thinking about it. Masterfully done! So glad you brought up the relationship with Maggot: that really captured my attention. And his incarcerated mother's back story! And Angus! I loved that character! Last weekend I found myself compelled to watch about a half a dozen film adaptations of David Copperfield- it had been years since I read it and I just wanted to see the parallels. Whew! Man, what book do you find worthy after you finish something like this?! I enjoy hearing your commentary!
This novel is my new all time favorite! The writing is so good, so real. A masterpiece!
I 100% agree--best book I've read in years.
I couldn't agree more. I just finished reading it. I was already a Barbara Kingsolver fan, but this is now my favorite of hers. WOW. I actually went back when I was about 3/4 through and read the Wikipedia of David Copperfield because it's been a while (and many of the Dickens plots/characters have gotten muddled in my head), and I was even more impressed with how much of the themes and characters and plotlines she managed to have echo through this book, while making it somehow wholly new and relevant, and completely its own.
I love Kingsolver, and I would put this one up there with Poisonwood Bible and Prodigal Summer.
yes!
Buying it now! Any book that Eric read twice is well worthy my money and time! Thanks for your reviews as always!
Hope you love it as much as I do! 😊📚
@@EricKarlAnderson I am sure I will. 😀 From reading other comments, will you recommend me reading “David Copperfield” first (shamefully I haven’t read that one yet)? Would that give a different/enhance reading experience when I read this book? Thanks!
Thank you for this review. I read Kingsolver years ago but had kind of forgotten about her. I will definitely be picking up this book because of you!
Great! Hope you love it as much as I did
Your review has me wanting to re-read it now too. I loved this book so much. I am currently reading Poisonwood and really liking it as well. Kingsolver is becoming a favorite author for sure.
Thank you so much for your review. Im excited to start reading it! 😊
Oh my goodness your review really captured everything I loved about this book but much more eloquently than I could. I can’t stop thinking & worrying about the characters & have to keep reminding myself they aren’t real. But of course children like them are. I wanted to adopt Demon, Tommy & Swap-Out so much.
This is still on my TBR. I have a feeling it will get a lot of attention. I want to read David Copperfield first before I get to Demon Copperhead. I’ve only read one Kingsolver and want to read more by her. 😊💙
I think reading David Copperfield first is a great idea. That's what I did.
@@annegibson6072 👍🏻💙
Great plan!
I'm so glad I bought Demon Copperhead. I could barely put it down. I also found two of Barbara Kingsolver's books at the thrift store in the last couple of weeks, The Poisonwood Bible and The Bean Trees.
What a great find! The Poisonwood Bible is excellent and I’ve not read The Bean Trees yet.
I have just finished demon copperhead. What a delight! I feel like Demon is my friend 😅 does anyone have a good recommendation? Don’t think I’ll read another book as good this, this year.
I really need to read this book! Definitely expecting to see it take prizes after all I have heard about it. Wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed it and were gripped.
Hope you find time to get to it!
I finished it a couple of days ago, and wrote in my journal that it should win all the prizes! I read a Dickens a year (so it takes me longer to run out of them) and coincidentally last year I read David Copperfield, and think what she’s managed to do, by keeping the soul but making something that stands so magnificently on its own, is incredible. If I had one teeny criticism, it’s that Mr Micawber is my favourite character in the original, and Mr McCobb is missing the kindness and light that made Micawber so charming, but I totally understand why she changed it, and ultimately think she was right. I just feel bad for Micawber 😂 I am still thinking about it and processing my thoughts, but will come back in a few days to rewatch and read the comments. Fingers crossed for the Women’s Prize next month (eagerly awaiting Anna and yours annual predictions).
Thank you for the recommendation Eric, I’ll definitely bear this book in mind. I’m two books into Pat Barker’s Regeneration Trilogy, which is excellent also. All the Best, Nigel
Great! Barker’s writing is excellent.
I agree it's a great novel. Loved the audiobook, it held me spellbound. It's actually elevated David Copperfield for me. Fabulous characterisation but also dealing with issues of our times, (eg poverty and prescription addiction) as David Copperfield dealt with issues of Dickens times with fabulous characterisation. I listened to Richard Armitage read David Copperfield on audiobook after reading Demon and I was blown away by Armitage's acting skills as well as Dickens writing. Kingsolver is in every way as brilliant as Dickens. It also gave me Mark Twain vibes too.
I read it about a month ago. I loved it. Very thought provoking and great writing and characters. Sad in so many ways…that people have to live in poverty and die of addiction. Really an indictment of the foster care system. I may re read it also. I have liked every Kingsolver book I have read. Thanks for your review.
I’m glad you feel the same way. She’s such a unique writer especially as her books and subject matter are always surprising.
Love Demon Copperhead! Kingsolver is brilliant! 🏆🥇
I loved Demon Copperhead! The book sat on my shelf for 6 months and I finally got the audiobook instead. The Poisonwood Bible is my favorite book EVER and Demon has easily made my top 10 modern novels.
I'm reading this book right now! It's long but I don't want it to end!
I’m so glad you’re finding it so immersive.
Hi Eric I am going to read 1984 and then read Julia which I have been given for Christmas
One of my favorites too. I loved The Poisonwood Bible she wrote and have reread it. Barbara Kingsolver has written a novel that reflects our society of today.
I really enjoyed The Poisonwood Bible, so I'm intrigued by Demon Copperhead. The fact it gripped you for a re-read is a good recommendation.
The Poisonwood Bible is great and every other book I’ve read by her has taken such a unique approach to different characters and their environment.
I am reading this now ! Loving it soooo much. 100 percent agree with your review.
Yes, just brilliant! So glad you are loving it.
I looooooove this book so much! I LOVE DC!
I had never heard of this author and kinda stumbled upon this book. I'm sooooo glad I did! I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did an excellent job. I thought is was so good that I am going to read it rather than listen. Even though I just heard it a few months ago, I could read it again now and not be bored at all. There was tons of topics packed into it and the characters were amazing.
I’m so glad you feel that way. I think reading the physical text will give you a different experience of the story but the audio is also excellent.
Halfway through the video, I bought it. Can't wait to start. Thank you 😊
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
It was a thoroughly good read. I think Kingsolver's angle of the southern Appalachia mountains, where poverty is rampart and children fall through the cracks as a comparison to children of Dickens time was right on. It was sad to learn how clinics were set up where doctors act as drug pushers in that region. I thought it was sad that just when you believe that Demon had gotten away from the broken foster system, he finds a suitable home, becomes a football star, only to be injured and fall into the same drug addition downward spiral like his mother. Cried at the end when Demon ends up with the unpretentious, brainy girl Angus and she gives him the gift of seeing the ocean. Yes, I could give it a second read, too.
Yes, it was all handled excellently. His draw to the ocean was very moving.
I am listening to Demon Copperhead now. It’s so good. He’s so real and believable I have to remind myself it’s a novel!
Loved the book and your video that spoke to everything that I loved about the book! Would love to be part of a group to discuss this book!
I listened to this on audiobook which was good but I think maybe I would have benefited from having the physical copy too. I did really enjoy her writing though. Can’t wait to see if it appears on the W.P 📚❤️
Thank you for sharing your love of this book with us😊
Me too! 😊📚
I expect I will give Demon Copperhead a go, eventually. Barbara Kingsolver and I do not always get along. Her plot lines and writing appeal but getting into the book often eludes me. Happy reading
I’ve been watching lots of Womens Prize predictions videos. They all suggest Demon Copperhead. It’s the only one of their suggestions I’ve read and I agree. I’m imagining this will be turned into a movie/tv series.
*WINNER*
Pulitzer Prize for Fiction 2023
Tied with Trust by Hernan Diaz
🎉
@@EricKarlAnderson I predicted Trust would win, but a tie, that surprised me.
I agree. It's an incredible novel.
👍
My favorite novel of 2022 by far. Hard to believe it didn’t get on the ALA notable book list.
Yes!
I absolutely loved this novel although I confess that Demon’s voice was so jarring and so different from a typical Kingsolver character that it took me almost half the novel to give myself over to it.
I am loving it at the moment
👍
Fully agree. Hope it’s an award winner. Incredible book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yes!
I would be happy to see Demon Copperhead win any and all literary prizes. I recall a review likening it to Dickens directed by the Coen brothers, which I find so apt.
Yes, that’s a great description!
I have the book and will read soon...thanks for reminding me.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Despite several millennia worth of great lit sitting on my bookshelves, I feel like I'd be robbing myself if I didn't push this to the top of my TBR pile of books to start reading very soon. Only glitch is that this was to be my year of finishing books, not starting them. I'll at least wait until I finish the Dickens I'm currently reading.
That sounds like a good plan. And prioritising what to read first is always a challenge!
I just ordered one after watching your video 😄
Hope you love it as much as I did! Let me know what you think when you get a chance to read it.
Im just surprised your hand isnt getting sore!
Demon Copperhead is the next great American classic, in my humble opinion.
Yes! 📚
That certainly sounds like an impactful book. I'm about to start reading Centennial by James Michener on the recommendation of my old boss. It's a 50 hour long audiobook so I hope it's good.
I started it on audio and I'm struggling with the southern drawl. I think I need to get the book.
Omg this book ❤❤❤ It's SO good. I'm only 200 pages into it 😂 but I'm just loving it so very much.
Only 150 pages into it, I agree with everything you're saying. One of those books I really want to know who doesn't like it?? What's there not to like in it. Hope it wins at least women's prize if not all the awards
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it and agree.
I know this is going to be my favorite book of the year.
Yes!
I totally disagree with you and most everyone who feels that this was the “it” book in regards to awards. It was good, but it was not in anyway great. I felt that it was way overdone, and by the final chapters, I was bored with it and wanted it to end.
You try writing a book then!
I like this book very much but I'm from Sweden so I struggled a bit with the language, the youth slang and the nicknames of different drugs. I would have loved some sort of wordlist!
Ah yes, a glossary would be helpful.
Oh yes, this book is a masterpiece.
great book, read on your enable!!
👍📚
An you tell us where to buy the bookshelves you have@?
I'm only 1/3 of the way through the book, but so far, I think the narrator is the happy medium between Huck Finn and David Copperfield.
Ah yes, that’s a great way to describe him.
I loved it, too. Demon's voice and the rich cast of characters - all of them flawed and interesting in different ways.
Yes! 💕
Is it required to read David Copperfield first before reading this?
I don't think so. I've not read it yet.
@@EricKarlAnderson thanks for confirming :) Then I’ll buy it immediately!
I am glad you loved it so much but I have to respectfully disagree about Demon Copperfield. Kingsolver is very adept at creating lively and convincing voices for her narrators. That was why I enjoyed Poisonwood so much and why I looked forward to DC. But I did not warm to the main character in this book and I did not understand the choices he made that only made his life more difficult. In addition, it seemed to me that Kingsolver was trying to make a point that the "hill people" were an oppressed minority who get pushed into bad things like addiction and racism and Trump because liberal lefties say mean things about them and the Beverly Hillbillies was so insensitive, or something like that. It left me feeling flat. The online reviews are generally very positive, so this is definitely a lonely dissenting voice.
You’re not alone! I really enjoyed Empire of Pain and was looking forward a fictional story along the same lines. I just should’ve stuck with the non-fiction work and not picked this one up.
Same for me! I dnfed DC at the 50% mark having loved Poisonwood Bible. Maybe Kingsolver is a one trick pony and will never reach the heights of PB again.
I can't recall a single decision made by a character that was attributed (either by the author or the character) to the influence of "liberal lefties". The point being made about "liberal lefties" was simply that they often act and speak as if hillbillies are natural objects of contempt.
I agree with your assessment. I thought the book( most notably the second half) played out like a Lifetime movie and was corny and preachy. Also the writing was trite.
I'm in total agreement.
If it does win all the prizes, I guess I’ll have to read it. 😉
Yes you will! 😄
@@EricKarlAndersontl;dr 😂😂😂 (We’ll see.)
Anybody else thought that the social messaging was too ham fisted and over-the-top?
I just finished this book! OMG, this was so overrated. Way too long; horrible event after horrible event; at some point it became “trauma porn.” It was exhausting. His “voice” was very hard to follow: sentence; phrase; clause; “region-speak,” etc. Way too many characters. I didn’t hate the kid, nor did I particularly like him. The ending was underwhelming because we foresaw it. “Trust” was brilliant and should have won the Pulitzer solo.
It is a "classic"