From the Bookshelf of Constant Reader…

Demon Copperhead

Barbara Kingsolver

Start date: May 15, 2023

Finish date: June 15, 2023

Discussion: Reading List

Discussion leader: Ann D

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Reading List

* The Schedule for July through Dec. 2025
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What Members Thought

Mar 20, 2023 Ken rated it it was ok

Shelves: finished-in-2023, contemporary

It’s not often you look forward to Demons, but in this case, I was. All the sterling reviews on Goodreads! The fortuitous link to my favorite Dickens novel (David Copperfield)! The promise of one of my favorite genres, coming-of-age!

Alas, it was not to be. At least not for me.

It fell into that category of book that for some reason bothers me. The plot’s the thing, and we all love a good story. As for Kingsolver, she’s certainly capable of telling it. Trouble is, she told way more than I like. No It’s not often you look forward to Demons, but in this case, I was. All the sterling reviews on Goodreads! The fortuitous link to my favorite Dickens novel (David Copperfield)! The promise of one of my favorite genres, coming-of-age!

Alas, it was not to be. At least not for me.

It fell into that category of book that for some reason bothers me. The plot’s the thing, and we all love a good story. As for Kingsolver, she’s certainly capable of telling it. Trouble is, she told way more than I like. Not many “stop and zoom in” scenes. More "this happened, then that happened." And time rolls on as the narrative years slip by.

Guess I’d rather read a book that covers all of a day or a weekend only. That’s me. These year-jumpers tend to leave characterization in the dust. That is, the characters have no soul, and when they have no soul, I have trouble investing (making the book bankrupt as a Silicon Valley Bank, if you’ll forgive the current event metaphor).

In fairness, you can dismiss this review because I DNF, but I did make it to page 380 or so, and that’s more than halfway, by God, but I struggled to return to it each time I put it down. Instead, I looked at other books on my TBR shelf and they mocked me for pledging my allegiance in such a rote way. Soon I caved to the Sirens of “Life’s Too Short.”

I don't feel that bad. Demon seems to be doing just fine and meeting unusual success and winning over all the girls and facing all the modern troubles (like opioids) David C. didn’t have to and I wish him well. But he really lacked depth. And the surrounding characters didn't sweep me off my feet, either, meaning I was always aware of my surroundings while reading (never a good thing -- consider the movie theater when the same thing happens while viewing!).

So cue the music by the men in Wayfarer sunglasses (“I’m a Soul Man”) and forgive me not joining the Kingsolver parade. I’ll leave the 5-stars and hosannas to others with their marching band reviews.

Instead, I’ll be one of the outsiders giving this a two. Leaving it has hard, but I’m glad I did now that the doing’s done. ...more

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Jan 18, 2023 Kevin rated it really liked it

Loosely based on David Copperfield from Charles Dickens. The plight of the homeless, abused, uncared for and the poor sadly hasn’t changed all that much.

17 likes · Like · see review

Feb 28, 2023 Carrie rated it it was amazing

Probably one of the very best books I’ve ever read in my life. I’ll never forget Demon and this cast of characters. And that was it for Demon, over and out.

5 likes · Like · see review

Sep 04, 2023 Rosana rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audio-books, 2023

I realize that this book did not work for everyone, but it worked for me.
Some reviewers talk about cliches in the narrative, but I only saw social problems that are so inherent to our communities that they do become cliches.
At times the narrative became Kafkaesque, to the point that I had to leave the reading for a while, but the characters and story aways drew me back.
I want to push this book on everyone.

3 likes · Like · see review

Apr 29, 2023 Linda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

who?

Enjoyed the story. I found there’s a lot of characters and their nicknames to keep track of. I don’t always buy not the city- country divide theory. I’ve lived both and I don’t disrespect either.

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Aug 13, 2024 William rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2024

Justly praised everywhere. Typically described, including by Kingsolver, as inspired by and patterned after Dickens’ David Copperfield, it is, like the other the author’s portrait of the horrifying underbelly of the society of the times. In this case, poverty, crime, addiction, family breakup, ignorance and the failure of a wealthy nation to care for those most in need.
The brilliance of the novel lies with Kingsolver’s mastery of character and dialogue.
The characters are nuanced - never all bad ...more

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Jul 25, 2023 Victoria rated it it was amazing

Oh my, this book was wonderful. She’s such a talented writer and gifted storyteller. Truly impressive and so thoughtfully done. A gift. Can’t recommend it enough.

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Oct 29, 2023 Pang rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, culture-society-travel, nyt-recommended, 2023

the theme isn’t my cup-of-tea, but what a story and what a writing. and can’t forget the narration. the book just took me on a journey, the ups and downs of all emotions. just superb. it should have been classified as non-fiction, as it probably mirrors a lot of real lives.

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