I recently finished Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver on audiobook, and I can say without hesitation – it’s one of the most powerful, moving stories I’ve ever listened to. It’s no surprise this one earned so many accolades. The writing is phenomenal, but the audiobook experience truly took it to the next level.
The narrator, Charlie Thurston, brought Demon to life in the most authentic and heartfelt way. His voice and delivery made the character feel real, like he was sitting beside me, telling me his story. I felt all the things as I listened… heartbreak, laughter, frustration, joy, and deep empathy. This is the kind of book that stays with you long after the final chapter, and I still find myself thinking about it often.
A little about the story:
Demon Copperhead is a modern retelling of David Copperfield, set in the rural mountains of southern Appalachia. Demon is born to a teenage single mother in a trailer, with no father, no money, and no safety net. What follows is his raw and compelling journey through foster care, addiction, love, loss, and survival. Through it all, Demon’s voice is sharp, honest, and full of grit. His story is one of resilience in the face of a broken system, and Kingsolver tells it with such compassion and urgency that it feels both timely and timeless.
If you enjoy audiobooks, I highly recommend this format for Demon Copperhead. The narration added so much depth to an already remarkable novel. It’s a tough story in many ways, but it’s also deeply human and unforgettable.
I borrowed this one for free through the Libby app and my local library – such a great resource if you love to listen or read on the go.
Have you read or listened to Demon Copperhead? I’d love to hear what you thought!!
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I read Demon Copperhead months ago..and the book still haunts me. I felt the same as you did while reading it….I grew up in the Appalachian Mountains, so many of the characters felt like my neighbors, and the descriptions of the roads, mountains, stores, and houses were all things I was familiar with and was very believable to me. I thought the writing was the best I have read in a long time…well, since The Women, by Kristin Hannah. Highly recommend this book but be prepared for it to remain in your mind for a very long time.
I have that book in my Audible library! I’m thinking of choosing this book as my choice for my bookclub book next year. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it!
I too listened to this book (via my favorite free app Libby!) and really enjoyed. I am so glad you had the same thoughts/review I had, as all my book club peeps hated it. I too had all the feels with this one (and I am a tough critic when it comes to books…especially long stories). I am so glad I found a friend that found it as powerful as I did. I recommend Broken Country for another good read this summer. Andddd I really enjoyed (and I know you will too) Let’s call her Barbie (Renee Rosen). Highly recommend and her other book about Estée Lauder for lighter but still engaging reads.