Barbara Kingsolver on Demon Copperhead - Women's Prize and Pulitzer Prize winner
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- Опубликовано: 15 окт 2024
- Barbara Kingsolver has now added the Women's Prize for Fiction to her recent Pulitzer Prize, making Demon Copperhead, her modern reimagining of a Dickens classic, one of 2023's most popular reads. An utterly immersive bildungsroman rich in characterisation and grand narrative set pieces; find it here: bit.ly/3XeBNbC
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I didn’t know the author is from Appalachia?! That’s so wonderful that this region is getting proper representation from someone with personal experience of the culture. I’m from the ozarks, grew up below the poverty line with an alcoholic/opioid addicted dad, and a bipolar mom. As a visual artist I’ve personally faced so much resistance in my career because of my background and where I’m from. Because of this I’ve become really sensitive to outsiders telling our stories without having to contend with that kind of resistance. All this to say, I’m really grateful for this book but I’m especially grateful you’re telling this as someone who grew up in Appalachia ❤
You might like her book ‘Prodigal Summer’ which is set in Virginia and is a gorgeous portrait of Appalachia, its ecosystem and people- how they clash and work together. It doesn’t however (from what I recall) explore poverty much unlike Daemon Copperhead :)
I'm halfway through Copperhead. You know you are reading an important work when the pain of the narrative becomes too great to bear. You have to put it down, and resume reading it tomorrow. At least, for me.
The trauma of the Dickens novel, Copperfield, seems subdued in comparison. The wretchedness of David's life seems tempered by Dickens' beautiful prose and sensibility. Not to say that Kingsolver's prose is not beautiful, it unquestionably is. But, the awful savageness of Demon's life is much more emphasized in her telling.
I read Poisonwood Bible when it was published many years ago. I was in a bookstore, and picked it up. I never heard of Kingsolver, but the cover was very beautiful. I read the first page and was impressed by the sheer beauty of her writing.
Same trajectory here. I first read Poisonwood and I couldn’t get past the first chapter because I just wanted to read it again and again. So beautiful. And with Demon, I needed to take a break a lot of times because the heaviness was just too much (in a good way). I love her and will read all her works.
I am born, raised and still living in the northeast. I have traveled quite a bit of the US but my knowledge of Appalachia was extremely filtered through privileged lenses. I listened to Demon Copperhead audiobook on Hoopla through my public library.
I respect Kingsolver immensely and as insane as Demon’s life gets I trusted that she was not exaggerating. This was a reference book for me, eye opening, like reading an encyclopedia and history of Appalachia presented in an overwhelming and engaging tale. I found myself telling people about all I was learning about the foster system and the opioid crisis. This is an inside view, explaining things i
I recommend Demon Copperhead wholeheartedly. It is beautifully written, revealing, insightful, and it will horrify you. I cried openly several times. The characters are so real, so fleshed-out. Demon is a very well-written, sympathetic character. You are rooting for him and it breaks your heart to experience his, and others, monumental failures.
I finished the book last night and I’m mourning the loss of a friend today, as you do when you finish an incredible book and no longer visit with an amazing character every day.
This is the best book I’ve read in a few years. Born & raised in Whitesburg Kentucky. I’ve since moved away but wow this struck close to home. Thank you❤
I am reading this book now and I’m blown away. I grew up in the southern Appalachia- not far from where the story takes place. It’s such a beautiful part of the world. I love that she truly captured the heart of the characters, in addition to the struggles that many face in that area. I moved away a long time ago, but those mountains will always be home.
What a lovely interview, thank you 🙏🏽
Tucson born and bred- crossed paths with Barbara as a kid in town not realizing she would become one of my all time beloved authors. Bean Trees was a defining novel for me as a Tucson native and I’ve read and loved every piece she’s written since. I just finished Demon Copperhead and found myself crying at the end- this is an absolute masterpiece. As a social worker I loved the shout out at the end and could maybe bear the darkness more than some having lived and worked with many who have experienced similar paths but for those who are wary there is light at the end. Brava Barbara- stunning work👏👏👏👏👏
Congratulations Barbara!!!! As a fan I am in awe of your wizardry with words (wizard being non-binary-binding)... the light you shed on intimate human issues shines by virtue of pure exposition - you expose your biases so to alert us to our own, and then you notice things. 'Yea, I've noticed that but didn't know how to put it in words...' (said everyone everywhere).... You do that - give us words that we can then amplify! Bless you and yours in all ways!!!!
bravo pour ce superbe roman qui a été primé, c'est largement mérité ! Le bonjour depuis la France !
Great. I have chills. Dickens was brilliant, and my favorite was Our Mutual Friend. Thank you.
I read a great deal always have. Started with fiction and find myself at 70 years reading more nonfiction. When I really love a book I buy it in hardcover. The Poisonwood Bible and Demon Copperhead are both in hardcover in my many bookcases. Thank you Barbara Kingsolver.
Incredible book , amazing author
I like how this book probably feels like life there. There is no definitive plot structure, it's life happening and I love that.
I grew up in Appalachia too. I really miss it! I got out as soon as I could. Got an undergrad degree in Civil Engineering/ then worked as an Engineer, and then to Harvard to study Architecture. I miss Appalachia. And yes - those are my people too. Bravo! I want to move back there too. It was an incredibly beautiful place. I miss the landscape.
Loved Demon Copperhead ! I recognized the Dickens inspiration immediately. And loved it!
This is one of the best books I've read.......since poisonwood bible
“Poisonwood Bible” is my favorite contemporary novel having been reared as a Fundamentalist S. Baptist Christian and the twists and turns in that novel.
AMAZING!!
Fantastic book
Kingsolver books
This is Catcher in the Rye if it was in mid 2000’s Appalachia
📖 🪱 💚