Sara’s review of Demon Copperhead > Likes and Comments
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It started to get bogged down for me more after high school.
I think I liked the voice of Demon, the child, and I have worn out with it now. The book, generally, just goes on too long. There are sections that could be reduced significantly without losing anything pertinent to the story. I sometimes wonder what editors do these days...or maybe there was even more of this and the editor cut it back to where it is now.
That's exactly how I felt. I rated it 3.5 rounded up because of the first half but as I think on it, now I feel like I can't give it more than 3
Who knows why one person's 5 is another's 3, or 2 or 1, but honesty is required in reviews or they mean nothing. I know how hard it is to go against the grain, and how disappointing to find a book less than you had hoped, because it happens to me all the time.
I totally "get" what you are saying here, Sara. I turned in my fan card for Kingsolver several novels ago, and pretty much for the reasons you mentioned. I think I'll give this a good lettin' alone. I agree with the comment from Diane. She's got it just right.
Diane wrote: "Who knows why one person's 5 is another's 3, or 2 or 1, but honesty is required in reviews or they mean nothing. I know how hard it is to go against the grain, and how disappointing to find a book ..."
Exactly, Diane. But I do often wonder why a book can have such a different effect on people who so often have the same tastes in reading materials. When so many of those voices that I usually rely on to screen my reading are taken with a book that fails for me, can't help wondering if I am missing something. But, in the end, you have to feel what you feel and give an honest opinion.
Zoeytron wrote: "I totally "get" what you are saying here, Sara. I turned in my fan card for Kingsolver several novels ago, and pretty much for the reasons you mentioned. I think I'll give this a good lettin' alone..."
It is a huge investment in time at 560 pages. Of course, my opinion would be "lettin' it alone" is a good idea.
Thank you for an honest review. I believe that I would be like you. When I saw it being advertised, I thought I would try it but it sounds like the story did go too long and nothing drives me crazy as a book that seems to need a good editor to trim and bring the writer back to the nub of the story. Its sad though, I loved The Poisonwood Bible, liked The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven but liked The Lacuna better. I'd still like to try some of her other early works but I'm with you about her later efforts.
Steering clear! Thanks for the caution sign⚠️
Oh goodness, Sara. Well, it's just one of those books that is going to resonate with some of us and not with others. I was an outlier on a very popular book last year so I completely know where you are coming from. And I understand your criticisms 100% and value your opinion even when we didn't agree on this one. I would have dnf'd it if she had preached her views.
I do hope whatever you pick up next will be a delight and not a slog. I would say that I will probably not read any more Kingsolver. I think what I've read is enough - good and bad.
Pamela wrote: "Thank you for an honest review. I believe that I would be like you. When I saw it being advertised, I thought I would try it but it sounds like the story did go too long and nothing drives me crazy..."
My opinion is definitely in the minority on this one, but I find she has just morphed into an author that isn't for me.
Susan wrote: "Steering clear! Thanks for the caution sign⚠️"
Lots of other, well-edited, more meaningful books out there, Susan. Hope you find one of those.
Lori wrote: "Oh goodness, Sara. Well, it's just one of those books that is going to resonate with some of us and not with others. I was an outlier on a very popular book last year so I completely know where you..."
Such a weird feeling to be such an outlier, but I have been here before. I could relate to everything you said about the book in your review, and yet it struck me exactly the opposite way in which it struck you.
I will say that I should not be reading anything that has tension at its base right now, and this book is very, very edgy.
Sorry it wasn’t good for you, Sara.
I listened to about half of it on audiobook, and the narrator was fantastic, I think that helped me to really enjoy it.
Happy you did enjoy it, Karen. Many more thumbs up than down for this one.
I'm not a huge fan of the last couple of Kingsolver books I've read, but I plan to read this next month. A retelling, no matter how different the setting, is a tricky thing. I'm more and more intrigued by the reviews of this one. I think Kingsolver really resonates with some and others she manages to grate on one's nerves. I'm going to come back here and compare notes after I read it! Great review, Sara!
I received the book as a gift so I'm planning on reading it. Barbara Kingsolver's books seem to get a wide range of reactions so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I enjoy it more. I understand your feeling that sometimes she gets a little preachy because I've felt that way with some others that I have read. Thanks for the good review!
Fantastic review, Sara. Geesh, I know what you mean. Your review made me remember the parts of the book that I didn't like and is making me reconsider my rating! I ended up giving it 4 stars, but I still considered it a favorite (now I don't know if this reaction was from peer pressure)! Like you, I thought it was a slog in the middle. And it was definitely repetitive. For me, though, I guess the faster-paced last third of the book did make up for the slog. Sorry it was a miss for you. Pretty bad if it made you permanently break up with the author!
Candi wrote: "I'm not a huge fan of the last couple of Kingsolver books I've read, but I plan to read this next month. A retelling, no matter how different the setting, is a tricky thing. I'm more and more intri..."
I will be very interested in how it affects you, Candi. I am in the minority, especially among my most trusted friends. Only a few had the issues I had, so I suspect it might be a winner for you.
Connie wrote: "I received the book as a gift so I'm planning on reading it. Barbara Kingsolver's books seem to get a wide range of reactions so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I enjoy it more. I understand yo..."
There is less preaching in this one than in the last two of hers that I read. Still, it just didn't resonate with me at all after about mid-way. Look forward to your review, Connie.
Linda wrote: "You nailed it Sara. 🙂"
We are in a very small camp, Linda...but nice to have company.
Debbie wrote: "Fantastic review, Sara. Geesh, I know what you mean. Your review made me remember the parts of the book that I didn't like and is making me reconsider my rating! I ended up giving it 4 stars, but I..."
LOL. Well, we had broken up a while back, Debbie, and I was trying for a reconciliation, but sometimes those just don't work. I know what you mean about peer pressure--not anyone was pressuring me but myself, but I really hated writing a bad review for this one.
Thank you, Sara, for the honest and helpful critique. It sounds over-written.
Laysee wrote: "Thank you, Sara, for the honest and helpful critique. It sounds over-written."
For me it was, but majority opinions are truly slanted the other way.
It sounds like this was a very poor and exhausting reading experience, Sara. I'm all too familiar with high expectations followed by disappointment. Ugh. I hope you have moved on to a book that you love.
Thank you, Anne. I went right into an Elizabeth Taylor novel, where I knew I would be safe, and it has been wonderful.
Best to put these kinds of reads behind you immediately!
Sara wrote: "Thank you, Anne. I went right into an Elizabeth Taylor novel, where I knew I would be safe, and it has been wonderful.
Best to put these kinds of reads behind you immediately!"
Great. So glad you are safe now! :))
Oh dear Sara, this one is now tenuously hanging onto my TBR. I had high expectations, too - not sure now. Terrific review!!
As I'm sure you know, Mark, many of our treasured friends have loved it. I am in the minority. But, if you aren't enchanted by it when you are halfway in, it doesn't get better.
Excellent review, Sara. Thank you for saving any time I might have wasted on this one. I met Kingsolver at the juried Appalachian Writer’s Workshop in Hindman, Ky. I’ve only read two of her works, The Poisonwood Bible s and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle both of which I found stirring and brilliant. After meeting her, however, I’ve not been able to read the remainder of her works. This makes me sad. Unfortunately, I cannot separate the art from the artist in this case.
Great review, Sara. Sorry this didn’t work for you. I did buy the kindle copy for myself and plan to read it soon. Loved the sample I read. I’m hoping to enjoy it but I know, for me, timing, fatigue and other factors can impact my response especially with a long book so I hope everything aligns.
Linda wrote: "You nailed it Sara. 🙂"
Yes she did, I couldn't even finish this slog of misery.
Thanks Sara. I reached yet another part where Demon loses everything, and I just couldn’t continue. 300+ pages in, I moved on to somewhere not an opiated America.
Feeling guilty for not continuing, he’s a courageous chap.
Sara, your review has once again saved me. Thank you. I’m glad you found an Elizabeth Taylor read for a palate cleanser. I’m looking forward to that review. Whether the book is good or bad you write a review that is worth reading!
Lisa wrote: "Excellent review, Sara. Thank you for saving any time I might have wasted on this one. I met Kingsolver at the juried Appalachian Writer’s Workshop in Hindman, Ky. I’ve only read two of her works, ..."
Hate when that happens, and it happens more frequently these days. Literature is definitely something the author should allow US to interpret once it is sent out into the world.
Sue wrote: "Great review, Sara. Sorry this didn’t work for you. I did buy the kindle copy for myself and plan to read it soon. Loved the sample I read. I’m hoping to enjoy it but I know, for me, timing, fatigu..."
If you like it, Sue, you will be in the majority. I am liking it even less in hindsight, so it was definitely a wrong choice for me. Good luck!
Beth wrote: "Linda wrote: "You nailed it Sara. 🙂"
Yes she did, I couldn't even finish this slog of misery."
Always feels a bit fine to have someone else feel as you do. Thank you, Beth.
Sandra wrote: "Thanks Sara. I reached yet another part where Demon loses everything, and I just couldn’t continue. 300+ pages in, I moved on to somewhere not an opiated America.
Feeling guilty for not continuing,..."
No guilt, Sandra, sometimes just best to let go. Had I not been reading with a group, I would have tossed it in as well.
Brenda wrote: "Sara, your review has once again saved me. Thank you. I’m glad you found an Elizabeth Taylor read for a palate cleanser. I’m looking forward to that review. Whether the book is good or bad you writ..."
Thank you, Brenda, for such a kind remark. I did love the Taylor and sometimes feel I ought to stick with those authors and genres I know I love--but then look what I would have missed! I think the trick is to know when it isn't connecting and let it go. I had already concluded that I was done with Kingsolver, I'm sorry I didn't heed my own warning.
Stories about endless abuse, misery, squalor,and immoral self centered adults get tedious fast. Are poor people really like this? If so deplorable is a good word to describe the mentality of the people living this way treating children like less than animals. I dont get why books like this are popular? Goldfinch was s much better more exciting “lost child” story. This one is is like laying down with dogs.
Margaret wrote: "Stories about endless abuse, misery, squalor,and immoral self centered adults get tedious fast. Are poor people really like this? If so deplorable is a good word to describe the mentality of the pe..."
I feel much the same, Margaret, and I think it is an unfair portrayal of most of the people of the area. I know this exists, I just don't think she got a lot of it right, and it is written as if it were the norm for everyone who is living in poverty or living in Appalachia. I think you could probably set this story in a rich affluent area with spoiled rich kids and have it be just as accurate if you want to paint with such a broad brush.
Two books I had been looking forward to reading last year, The Marriage Portrait and Demon Copperhead have had such mixed reviews and I’ve now put off both. You have summed up exactly why I don’t want to read this book , even in the midst of adversity I need glimmers of hope of relief in a story, otherwise I question why I am subjecting myself to such depressing material. Appreciate your honest review as always xxx
Megan wrote: "Two books I had been looking forward to reading last year, The Marriage Portrait and Demon Copperhead have had such mixed reviews and I’ve now put off both. You have summed up exactly why I don’t w..."
Thank you, Megan. It is hard to get a bead on why some people love a book while others hate it. I had rated this one 3-stars, but the more I thought about it, the less I thought it was really that for me, so I lowered it to 2.
Lisa wrote: "Sorry this wasn't for you Sara."
Thanks, Lisa. I understand that every book isn't for every reader. On to better (for me) things.
I appreciate your candid review, Sara. I have this to read, but I have little patience for long winded stories about drug addiction.
Thanks, Carol. Others have had such an opposite reaction to mine that I hesitate to tell anyone not to read it. If you don't enjoy the first 100 pages, though, you will definitely not like the rest.
Nice to have company, Terry. Not sure why this connects so well for others, but I like it even less in retrospect.
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Sue
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Jan 14, 2023 09:42AM
It started to get bogged down for me more after high school.
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I think I liked the voice of Demon, the child, and I have worn out with it now. The book, generally, just goes on too long. There are sections that could be reduced significantly without losing anything pertinent to the story. I sometimes wonder what editors do these days...or maybe there was even more of this and the editor cut it back to where it is now.
That's exactly how I felt. I rated it 3.5 rounded up because of the first half but as I think on it, now I feel like I can't give it more than 3
Who knows why one person's 5 is another's 3, or 2 or 1, but honesty is required in reviews or they mean nothing. I know how hard it is to go against the grain, and how disappointing to find a book less than you had hoped, because it happens to me all the time.
I totally "get" what you are saying here, Sara. I turned in my fan card for Kingsolver several novels ago, and pretty much for the reasons you mentioned. I think I'll give this a good lettin' alone. I agree with the comment from Diane. She's got it just right.
Diane wrote: "Who knows why one person's 5 is another's 3, or 2 or 1, but honesty is required in reviews or they mean nothing. I know how hard it is to go against the grain, and how disappointing to find a book ..."Exactly, Diane. But I do often wonder why a book can have such a different effect on people who so often have the same tastes in reading materials. When so many of those voices that I usually rely on to screen my reading are taken with a book that fails for me, can't help wondering if I am missing something. But, in the end, you have to feel what you feel and give an honest opinion.
Zoeytron wrote: "I totally "get" what you are saying here, Sara. I turned in my fan card for Kingsolver several novels ago, and pretty much for the reasons you mentioned. I think I'll give this a good lettin' alone..."It is a huge investment in time at 560 pages. Of course, my opinion would be "lettin' it alone" is a good idea.
Thank you for an honest review. I believe that I would be like you. When I saw it being advertised, I thought I would try it but it sounds like the story did go too long and nothing drives me crazy as a book that seems to need a good editor to trim and bring the writer back to the nub of the story. Its sad though, I loved The Poisonwood Bible, liked The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven but liked The Lacuna better. I'd still like to try some of her other early works but I'm with you about her later efforts.
Steering clear! Thanks for the caution sign⚠️
Oh goodness, Sara. Well, it's just one of those books that is going to resonate with some of us and not with others. I was an outlier on a very popular book last year so I completely know where you are coming from. And I understand your criticisms 100% and value your opinion even when we didn't agree on this one. I would have dnf'd it if she had preached her views. I do hope whatever you pick up next will be a delight and not a slog. I would say that I will probably not read any more Kingsolver. I think what I've read is enough - good and bad.
Pamela wrote: "Thank you for an honest review. I believe that I would be like you. When I saw it being advertised, I thought I would try it but it sounds like the story did go too long and nothing drives me crazy..."My opinion is definitely in the minority on this one, but I find she has just morphed into an author that isn't for me.
Susan wrote: "Steering clear! Thanks for the caution sign⚠️"Lots of other, well-edited, more meaningful books out there, Susan. Hope you find one of those.
Lori wrote: "Oh goodness, Sara. Well, it's just one of those books that is going to resonate with some of us and not with others. I was an outlier on a very popular book last year so I completely know where you..."Such a weird feeling to be such an outlier, but I have been here before. I could relate to everything you said about the book in your review, and yet it struck me exactly the opposite way in which it struck you.
I will say that I should not be reading anything that has tension at its base right now, and this book is very, very edgy.
Sorry it wasn’t good for you, Sara.I listened to about half of it on audiobook, and the narrator was fantastic, I think that helped me to really enjoy it.
Happy you did enjoy it, Karen. Many more thumbs up than down for this one.
I'm not a huge fan of the last couple of Kingsolver books I've read, but I plan to read this next month. A retelling, no matter how different the setting, is a tricky thing. I'm more and more intrigued by the reviews of this one. I think Kingsolver really resonates with some and others she manages to grate on one's nerves. I'm going to come back here and compare notes after I read it! Great review, Sara!
I received the book as a gift so I'm planning on reading it. Barbara Kingsolver's books seem to get a wide range of reactions so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I enjoy it more. I understand your feeling that sometimes she gets a little preachy because I've felt that way with some others that I have read. Thanks for the good review!
Fantastic review, Sara. Geesh, I know what you mean. Your review made me remember the parts of the book that I didn't like and is making me reconsider my rating! I ended up giving it 4 stars, but I still considered it a favorite (now I don't know if this reaction was from peer pressure)! Like you, I thought it was a slog in the middle. And it was definitely repetitive. For me, though, I guess the faster-paced last third of the book did make up for the slog. Sorry it was a miss for you. Pretty bad if it made you permanently break up with the author!
Candi wrote: "I'm not a huge fan of the last couple of Kingsolver books I've read, but I plan to read this next month. A retelling, no matter how different the setting, is a tricky thing. I'm more and more intri..."I will be very interested in how it affects you, Candi. I am in the minority, especially among my most trusted friends. Only a few had the issues I had, so I suspect it might be a winner for you.
Connie wrote: "I received the book as a gift so I'm planning on reading it. Barbara Kingsolver's books seem to get a wide range of reactions so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I enjoy it more. I understand yo..."There is less preaching in this one than in the last two of hers that I read. Still, it just didn't resonate with me at all after about mid-way. Look forward to your review, Connie.
Linda wrote: "You nailed it Sara. 🙂"We are in a very small camp, Linda...but nice to have company.
Debbie wrote: "Fantastic review, Sara. Geesh, I know what you mean. Your review made me remember the parts of the book that I didn't like and is making me reconsider my rating! I ended up giving it 4 stars, but I..."LOL. Well, we had broken up a while back, Debbie, and I was trying for a reconciliation, but sometimes those just don't work. I know what you mean about peer pressure--not anyone was pressuring me but myself, but I really hated writing a bad review for this one.
Thank you, Sara, for the honest and helpful critique. It sounds over-written.
Laysee wrote: "Thank you, Sara, for the honest and helpful critique. It sounds over-written."For me it was, but majority opinions are truly slanted the other way.
It sounds like this was a very poor and exhausting reading experience, Sara. I'm all too familiar with high expectations followed by disappointment. Ugh. I hope you have moved on to a book that you love.
Thank you, Anne. I went right into an Elizabeth Taylor novel, where I knew I would be safe, and it has been wonderful. Best to put these kinds of reads behind you immediately!
Sara wrote: "Thank you, Anne. I went right into an Elizabeth Taylor novel, where I knew I would be safe, and it has been wonderful. Best to put these kinds of reads behind you immediately!"
Great. So glad you are safe now! :))
Oh dear Sara, this one is now tenuously hanging onto my TBR. I had high expectations, too - not sure now. Terrific review!!
As I'm sure you know, Mark, many of our treasured friends have loved it. I am in the minority. But, if you aren't enchanted by it when you are halfway in, it doesn't get better.
Excellent review, Sara. Thank you for saving any time I might have wasted on this one. I met Kingsolver at the juried Appalachian Writer’s Workshop in Hindman, Ky. I’ve only read two of her works, The Poisonwood Bible s and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle both of which I found stirring and brilliant. After meeting her, however, I’ve not been able to read the remainder of her works. This makes me sad. Unfortunately, I cannot separate the art from the artist in this case.
Great review, Sara. Sorry this didn’t work for you. I did buy the kindle copy for myself and plan to read it soon. Loved the sample I read. I’m hoping to enjoy it but I know, for me, timing, fatigue and other factors can impact my response especially with a long book so I hope everything aligns.
Linda wrote: "You nailed it Sara. 🙂"Yes she did, I couldn't even finish this slog of misery.
Thanks Sara. I reached yet another part where Demon loses everything, and I just couldn’t continue. 300+ pages in, I moved on to somewhere not an opiated America.Feeling guilty for not continuing, he’s a courageous chap.
Sara, your review has once again saved me. Thank you. I’m glad you found an Elizabeth Taylor read for a palate cleanser. I’m looking forward to that review. Whether the book is good or bad you write a review that is worth reading!
Lisa wrote: "Excellent review, Sara. Thank you for saving any time I might have wasted on this one. I met Kingsolver at the juried Appalachian Writer’s Workshop in Hindman, Ky. I’ve only read two of her works, ..."Hate when that happens, and it happens more frequently these days. Literature is definitely something the author should allow US to interpret once it is sent out into the world.
Sue wrote: "Great review, Sara. Sorry this didn’t work for you. I did buy the kindle copy for myself and plan to read it soon. Loved the sample I read. I’m hoping to enjoy it but I know, for me, timing, fatigu..."If you like it, Sue, you will be in the majority. I am liking it even less in hindsight, so it was definitely a wrong choice for me. Good luck!
Beth wrote: "Linda wrote: "You nailed it Sara. 🙂"Yes she did, I couldn't even finish this slog of misery."
Always feels a bit fine to have someone else feel as you do. Thank you, Beth.
Sandra wrote: "Thanks Sara. I reached yet another part where Demon loses everything, and I just couldn’t continue. 300+ pages in, I moved on to somewhere not an opiated America.Feeling guilty for not continuing,..."
No guilt, Sandra, sometimes just best to let go. Had I not been reading with a group, I would have tossed it in as well.
Brenda wrote: "Sara, your review has once again saved me. Thank you. I’m glad you found an Elizabeth Taylor read for a palate cleanser. I’m looking forward to that review. Whether the book is good or bad you writ..."Thank you, Brenda, for such a kind remark. I did love the Taylor and sometimes feel I ought to stick with those authors and genres I know I love--but then look what I would have missed! I think the trick is to know when it isn't connecting and let it go. I had already concluded that I was done with Kingsolver, I'm sorry I didn't heed my own warning.
Stories about endless abuse, misery, squalor,and immoral self centered adults get tedious fast. Are poor people really like this? If so deplorable is a good word to describe the mentality of the people living this way treating children like less than animals. I dont get why books like this are popular? Goldfinch was s much better more exciting “lost child” story. This one is is like laying down with dogs.
Margaret wrote: "Stories about endless abuse, misery, squalor,and immoral self centered adults get tedious fast. Are poor people really like this? If so deplorable is a good word to describe the mentality of the pe..."I feel much the same, Margaret, and I think it is an unfair portrayal of most of the people of the area. I know this exists, I just don't think she got a lot of it right, and it is written as if it were the norm for everyone who is living in poverty or living in Appalachia. I think you could probably set this story in a rich affluent area with spoiled rich kids and have it be just as accurate if you want to paint with such a broad brush.
Two books I had been looking forward to reading last year, The Marriage Portrait and Demon Copperhead have had such mixed reviews and I’ve now put off both. You have summed up exactly why I don’t want to read this book , even in the midst of adversity I need glimmers of hope of relief in a story, otherwise I question why I am subjecting myself to such depressing material. Appreciate your honest review as always xxx
Megan wrote: "Two books I had been looking forward to reading last year, The Marriage Portrait and Demon Copperhead have had such mixed reviews and I’ve now put off both. You have summed up exactly why I don’t w..."Thank you, Megan. It is hard to get a bead on why some people love a book while others hate it. I had rated this one 3-stars, but the more I thought about it, the less I thought it was really that for me, so I lowered it to 2.
Lisa wrote: "Sorry this wasn't for you Sara."Thanks, Lisa. I understand that every book isn't for every reader. On to better (for me) things.
I appreciate your candid review, Sara. I have this to read, but I have little patience for long winded stories about drug addiction.
Thanks, Carol. Others have had such an opposite reaction to mine that I hesitate to tell anyone not to read it. If you don't enjoy the first 100 pages, though, you will definitely not like the rest.
Nice to have company, Terry. Not sure why this connects so well for others, but I like it even less in retrospect.
