“The wonder is that you could start life with nothing, end with nothing, and lose so much in between.”
If you loved Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, you were likely drawn to its powerful depiction of life in rural Appalachia, its unforgettable characters and its poignant exploration of social issues. This coming-of-age novel delves into themes of poverty, resilience and the complexities of family relationships, making the global bestseller a must-read for fans of literary fiction that tackles hard-hitting topics. But, what if you’re looking for more books like Demon Copperhead? Whether you’re interested in novels with a similar narrative structure, compelling character studies or thought-provoking commentaries on social inequality, you’re in the right place. Join us at What We Reading as we curate the best books similar to Demon Copperhead, offering fresh recommendations that echo its themes and emotional depth!
Demon Copperhead Summary
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a gritty, powerful coming-of-age novel set in rural Appalachia. The story centres around Damon Fields, a boy born into poverty in a region ravaged by opioid addiction and generational hardship. Known as ‘Demon’ thanks to his copper-red hair and fiery spirit, he faces a series of unrelenting challenges, from a difficult childhood marked by an absent mother and a neglectful system to the harsh realities of life as a foster child.
As Demon grows, he experiences love, loss, and the complexities of identity whilst wrestling with the systematic failures around him. The novel explores his emotional journey with sharp insights into addiction, poverty, and the power of resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Kingsolver’s writing weaves a tapestry of the struggles faced by working class families in Appalachia, using Demon as a lens to immerse readers in the personal and societal obstacles in a region often overlooked. Demon Copperhead is a poignant exploration of survival, hope, and the enduring human spirit amidst crushing adversity.
The Bean Trees (Greer Family #1) – Barbara Kingsolver
Kicking off our list of books like Demon Copperhead is another one of Barbara Kingsolver’s best novels, The Bean Trees. The story follows the journey of Taylor Green, a young woman who leaves her small town in Kentucky to begin a new life. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she ends up with an abandoned child, a Native American girl named Turtle, in her care. As Taylor grapples with the responsibility of motherhood and her own personal growth, she forms a deep connection with a diverse cast of people, including her best friend, Lou Ann, and an eccentric woman named Missy.
Set against the backdrop of the American Southwest, The Bean Trees is a story of transformation, resilience and community. Similar to Demon, Taylor’s journey is one of self-discovery as she learns to navigate the complexities of her new life while embracing the unexpected challenges and joys that come her way.
This Tender Land – William Kent Krueger
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger is a profoundly moving historical novel set during the grips of the Great Depression. The story follows four orphaned children – Odie, his younger brother, Albert, and their friends, Mose and Tip – who escape the confines of their Minnesota orphanage after a traumatic experience. They set out on a perilous journey down the Mississippi River in a canoe, seeking safety and freedom in an uncertain world.
As they travel through the heartlands of America, they encounter a range of characters, from kind-hearted strangers to dangerous adversaries, all whilst wrestling with their own personal demons. The novel explores themes of survival, hope and the healing power of love and friendship. Odie, the protagonist, serves as our narrator, reflecting on his experiences and the people who shaped his life.
A Little Life – Hanya Yanagihara
Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life is a profound novel that orbits around the lives of four college friends – Jude, Willem, JB, and Malcolm – living in New York City. As they navigate adulthood, their relationships and personal struggles unfold; however, the story is primarily focused on Jude, a brilliant and enigmatic litigator with a deeply traumatic past.
Jude’s life is marked by a series of devastating secrets and suffering. As his friends attempt to support him, the novel immerses readers in the impact of trauma on a person’s identity, relationships, and ability to heal. Yanagihara’s portrayal of Jude’s pain is raw and unflinching, capturing the complexities of love, friendship, and the long-lasting scars of abuse. Similar to Demon Copperhead, A Little Life is a heartbreaking exploration of suffering, survival and the search for redemption, with moments of beauty and grace amidst the darkness. It challenges readers to grapple with the difficult emotions and the intricacies of human resilience.
Check Out The Best Books Like A Little Life
The Nickel Boys – Colson Whitehead
The Nickel Boys is a powerful and poignant novel set in the 1960s, following the lives of two boys, Elwood Curtis and Turner, at a reform school in Florida. Based on the real-life horrors of the Dozier School for Boys, the story paints a brutal picture of institutionalised abuse, racism and the loss of innocence.
Elwood, an idealistic and hardworking young man, is a staunch believer in the principles of justice and equality instilled in him by his grandmother and Martin Luther King Jr. However, his sense of hope is upended when he is wrongfully sent to Nickel Academy, a school for troubled boys where violence and corruption are rampant. Turner, more cynical and hardened by his experiences, becomes his closest friend and together, they confront the many horrors of the school. Like Demon Copperhead, The Nickel Boys is an unforgettable story of friendship, survival, and the quest for justice in the face of unimaginable adversity.
All The Ugly And Wonderful Things – Bryn Greenwood
Bryn Greenwood’s All the Ugly and Wonderful Things is a provocative and emotionally complex story that explores the unconventional and taboo relationship between Wavy, a young girl, and Kellen, a man significantly older than her. Set in rural Kansas, the story delves into Wavy’s difficult upbringing, raised by neglectful and abusive parents, and her bond with Kellen, who, despite his own troubled past, becomes a steady presence in her life.
As Wavy grows up, their relationship deepens, becoming both a source of comfort and controversy. Greenwood’s portrayal of this relationship is raw, tender and unflinching, forcing readers to confront their own assumptions about what is acceptable and the scars that shape a person’s identity. All the Ugly and Wonderful Things is ultimately an unsettling yet beautifully written story about love, survival and the ways in which people seek solace in the most unlikely places.
The Good Lord Bird – James McBride
The Good Lord Bird by James McBride is a historical fiction novel set during the tumultuous years leading up to the American Civil War. The story is told by Henry Shackleford, a young enslaved boy who is mistaken for a girl and given the nickname ‘Little Onion’. His life then takes another unexpected turn when he becomes involved with the infamous abolitionist John Brown, a man determined to end slavery through violent means.
As Little Onion joins Brown’s radical band of freedom fighters, he navigates a world of violence, moral ambiguity and complex relationships. The novel blends humour and tragedy as it explores themes of identity, freedom and the cost of war. One of the best books like Demon Copperhead, The Good Lord Bird is a unique and unforgettable exploration of courage, survival and the personal and political battles that shaped a nation, all seen through the lens of an unlikely hero.
The Orphan’s Tale – Pam Jenoff
Pam Jenoff’s The Orphan’s Tale is a compelling historical novel set during the Second World War that follows two women whose fates become intertwined in the most unexpected way. The story centres on Noa, a young Jewish woman who is cast out from her family after becoming pregnant and being forced to give up her child. She finds herself alone and struggling to survive in Nazi-occupied Europe. Noa is eventually taken in by a travelling circus, where she becomes part of an ensemble of performers.
There, she meets Astrid, a former ballet dancer with a tragic past, who hides her own dark secrets. Together, the two women form an unlikely bond, both trying to navigate the horrors of war and the constant threat of discovery. Similar to Demon Copperhead, The Orphan’s Tale is a poignant story of resilience, survival and the strength of the human spirit in times of unimaginable hardship, with a focus on the untold stories of women during the Holocaust.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
