WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE • WINNER OF THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION New York Times Readers’ Pick: Top 100 Books of the 21st Century • An Oprah’s Book Club Selection • An Instant New York Times Bestseller • An Instant Wall Street Journal Bestseller • A #1 Washington Post Bestseller • A New York Times "Ten Best Books of the Year" "Demon is a voice for the ages—akin to Huck Finn or Holden Caulfield—only even more resilient.” —Beth Macy, author of Dopesick "May be the best novel of [the year]. . . . Equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, this is the story of an irrepressible boy nobody wants, but readers will love.” —Ron Charles, Washington Post From the acclaimed author of The Poisonwood Bible and The Bean Trees and the recipient of the National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, a brilliant novel that enthralls, compels, and captures the heart as it evokes a young hero’s unforgettable journey to maturity Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, Demon Copperhead is the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. Relayed in his own unsparing voice, Demon braves the modern perils of foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, addiction, disastrous loves, and crushing losses. Through all of it, he reckons with his own invisibility in a popular culture where even the superheroes have abandoned rural people in favor of cities. Many generations ago, Charles Dickens wrote David Copperfield from his experience as a survivor of institutional poverty and its damages to children in his society. Those problems have yet to be solved in ours. Dickens is not a prerequisite for readers of this novel, but he provided its inspiration. In transposing a Victorian epic novel to the contemporary American South, Barbara Kingsolver enlists Dickens’ anger and compassion, and above all, his faith in the transformative powers of a good story. Demon Copperhead speaks for a new generation of lost boys, and all those born into beautiful, cursed places they can’t imagine leaving behind.
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About the author
Barbara Kingsolver
Author
Barbara Ellen Kingsolver is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, essayist, and poet. Her widely known works include The Poisonwood Bible, the tale of a missionary family in the Congo, and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, a nonfiction account of her family's attempts to eat locally. In 2023, she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for the novel Demon Copperhead. Her work often focuses on topics such as social justice, biodiversity, and the interaction between humans and their communities and environments.
Demon Copperhead
by Barbara Kingsolver
Books Like Demon Copperhead
If you're looking for books similar to Demon Copperhead, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
All the Light We Cannot See
Anthony Doerr
A novel about two young people surviving World War II in France and Germany. The book explores themes of resilience, human connection, and survival against overwhelming odds. While different in setting, it shares Demon Copperhead's focus on a young protagonist's journey through challenging circumstances.
Educated
Tara Westover
A memoir of a woman who grows up in a strict, isolated family in rural Idaho and ultimately pursues education against tremendous odds. The book explores themes of survival, self-discovery, and overcoming systemic barriers. Similar to Demon Copperhead, it depicts a journey of personal transformation from a challenging background.
Little Fires Everywhere
Celeste Ng
A novel exploring family dynamics, identity, and social tensions in a suburban community. The book delves into themes of motherhood, belonging, and personal transformation. While different in setting, it shares Demon Copperhead's focus on complex characters navigating challenging personal and social circumstances.
The Glass Castle
Jeannette Walls
A powerful memoir about growing up in poverty with dysfunctional parents. The book follows Walls' childhood of extreme hardship and her eventual escape and success. Like Demon Copperhead, it explores resilience in the face of challenging circumstances. The narrative captures the raw experience of rural poverty and a child's survival instincts.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Sherman Alexie
A novel about a Native American teenager navigating life between his reservation and a predominantly white school. The book explores themes of identity, survival, and breaking cycles of poverty. Similar to Demon Copperhead, it features a young protagonist's resilience and humor in the face of systemic challenges.
The Round House
Louise Erdrich
A novel about a young Native American boy confronting trauma and injustice in a reservation community. The book explores themes of resilience, identity, and survival. Like Demon Copperhead, it features a young protagonist navigating complex social and personal challenges in a marginalized community.
Salvage the Bones
Jesmyn Ward
A novel set in rural Mississippi, following a poor family's survival before and during Hurricane Katrina. The book explores themes of family, resilience, and survival in challenging circumstances. Like Demon Copperhead, it provides a raw, intimate portrayal of rural poverty and individual strength.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Delia Owens
A novel set in the rural South about a young woman's survival and resilience. The story follows Kya Clark, abandoned and isolated in the marshlands, who must navigate poverty and social exclusion. Like Demon Copperhead, it explores themes of marginalization, survival, and the strength of an individual against challenging circumstances.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
Junot Díaz
A novel about a Dominican-American family navigating cultural identity and personal challenges. The book explores themes of survival, identity, and overcoming generational trauma. Similar to Demon Copperhead, it features a compelling narrative voice and a protagonist navigating complex social landscapes.
Hillbilly Elegy
J.D. Vance
A memoir about growing up in a poor Rust Belt town, exploring generational poverty and social challenges. Vance reflects on his family's struggles and his path to success. Similar to Demon Copperhead, it provides an intimate look at rural American life and the challenges of escaping systemic poverty.
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