I listened to a podcast with Ezra Klein interviewing Barbara Kingsolver about this book. He told her he has never read a book that made him put the book down to contemplate the pain and despair some of the characters experienced in her story. Those are very difficult books to read, but he said it was excellent.
I loved this book. Yes, heartwrenching but I can’t imagine the different level of heartbreak it holds for those who can personally relate to the trajectory of this story. Loved your post.
I bought it when it came out, devoured it two-thirds and then couldn’t do any more. A friend assured me it would be okay to finish it. You’ve inspired me to face the Demon(s).
I felt like I had to prepare to read Demon Copperhead. Knowing what it was about in broad strokes, I felt like reading it was going to be a challenge, for many of the reasons you've pointed out. I read David Copperfield first, so I could get the rhythm of his (and her, similarly) in my head. It helped. Keep going, if you can...
Oh Rachel. 🙏🏼 My heart aches too for that little soul who never had a chance.
I read Demon this past winter while we were Christmassing in the Blue Ridge, I, unlike your experience, could not put it down. Please finish it…I’m sending you strength, you won’t be disappointed. 🙏🏼❤️
Keep reading. You need reach the entirety of what the story is. I am sending my love.. refill the coffers, engage in some art. Watch the chickens, and last but not least.. literally touch the grass. Then continue.
This is heartbreaking, Rachel. Thank you for writing about it all. I've had Demon Copperhead sitting on my shelf. I read a few pages but can't bring myself to keep going with it...yet.
I listened to a podcast with Ezra Klein interviewing Barbara Kingsolver about this book. He told her he has never read a book that made him put the book down to contemplate the pain and despair some of the characters experienced in her story. Those are very difficult books to read, but he said it was excellent.
I loved this book. Yes, heartwrenching but I can’t imagine the different level of heartbreak it holds for those who can personally relate to the trajectory of this story. Loved your post.
I bought it when it came out, devoured it two-thirds and then couldn’t do any more. A friend assured me it would be okay to finish it. You’ve inspired me to face the Demon(s).
I felt like I had to prepare to read Demon Copperhead. Knowing what it was about in broad strokes, I felt like reading it was going to be a challenge, for many of the reasons you've pointed out. I read David Copperfield first, so I could get the rhythm of his (and her, similarly) in my head. It helped. Keep going, if you can...
Oh Rachel. 🙏🏼 My heart aches too for that little soul who never had a chance.
I read Demon this past winter while we were Christmassing in the Blue Ridge, I, unlike your experience, could not put it down. Please finish it…I’m sending you strength, you won’t be disappointed. 🙏🏼❤️
Keep reading. You need reach the entirety of what the story is. I am sending my love.. refill the coffers, engage in some art. Watch the chickens, and last but not least.. literally touch the grass. Then continue.
You always have the best advice. And YOU are the reason I knew I had to read it.
🙏
Oh Rachel...yes yes and yes xo
A great read
Resilience is what you will find if you keep reading until the end. A beautiful ending.
You probably know this, but Kingsolver has taken the profits from this novel and built a recovery facility: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jul/05/the-damage-is-terrifying-barbara-kingsolver-on-trump-rural-america-and-the-recovery-home-funded-by-her-hit-novel?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
I did not know this. Thank you for the extra layer.
Find your strength to stay with it - Demon deserves it.
Thank you, Michelle.
This is heartbreaking, Rachel. Thank you for writing about it all. I've had Demon Copperhead sitting on my shelf. I read a few pages but can't bring myself to keep going with it...yet.
When the time is right. Maybe in the quiet of winter.