‘Demon Copperhead’ by Barbara Kingsolver

According to Mrs. Peggot there is one good piece of luck that comes with the baggie birth: it’s this promise from God that you’ll never drown. Specifically. You could still OD, or get pinned to the wheel and charbroiled in your driver’s seat, or for that matter blow your own brains out, but the one place where you will not suck your last breath is underwater. Thank you, Jesus.

‘Demon Copperhead’ by Barbara Kingsolver is inspired by Charles Dickens’ ‘David Copperfield,’ but it is set in southern Appalachia from the 1980s to the 2000s.

Damon Fields is born in a trailer home, still in his amniotic sac. Or rather, he has born himself to his unconscious teenage mother, out on some drug or another. His father was already dead before he was born. The only adults who care for him are the elderly Peggots next door, who are grandparents to his best friend, Maggot. Maggot is not considered to be man—or boy—enough by many in this community.

Almost no one calls Damon by his true name. He’s Demon. Demon Copperhead, because of his copper-colored hair. From early on, he learns to take care of himself and his mother. From early on, he has no real chance. But that doesn’t mean he loses his good heart. Despite facing death, foster care, and addiction, he never loses his good heart.

This beautifully written book offers a different perspective on the lives of ‘hillbillies.’ It’s an excellent social critique of classism, capitalism, poverty, and the opioid crisis in the US. And, despite all its ugliness, it's also a beautiful tale of friendship and love.

CW: addiction, abuse, rape, suicide