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Demon Copperhead: A Novel Audiobook, by Barbara Kingsolver Play Audiobook Sample

Demon Copperhead: A Novel Audiobook

Demon Copperhead: A Novel Audiobook, by Barbara Kingsolver Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Charlie Thurston Publisher: HarperAudio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 14.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 10.50 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: October 2022 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9780063252004

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

68

Longest Chapter Length:

31:22 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

04 seconds

Average Chapter Length:

18:34 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

9

Other Audiobooks Written by Barbara Kingsolver: > View All...

Publisher Description

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, 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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"This wonderful novel is set in the mountains of Southern Appalachia and follows a young boy with no resources except his own ingenuity as he struggles to survive in the face of numerous obstacles. The story is told through the unvarnished voice of our protagonist, who never holds back in describing his plight or his resilience.The narration by Charlie Thurston is stunningly effective. His delivery perfectly captures the nuances of our protagonist's outlook; we feel every pang of heartache as well as every spark of joy. Through his performance, we come to understand both the struggles faced by those living in rural poverty and also their capacity for endurance and love - even when faced with overwhelming odds.Barbara Kingsolver's writing is evocative yet simple; she seamlessly blends moments of humor and despair in a nuanced exploration of her characters' lives. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read in quite a while!"

— Ferrell G (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Narrator Charlie Thurston’s fine regional accent takes listeners to southwest Virginia…Thurston manages to suggest all the major characters with subtle shifts of timbre…The novel is depressing yet gripping…Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”

    — AudioFile
  • “With its bold reversals of fate and flamboyant cast, this is storytelling on a grand scale.”

    — The Guardian (London)
  • “You’ll be enthralled by [Demon’s] voice, simultaneously hilarious and wise, as he illuminates life in rural America.”

    — Real Simple
  • “Reimagines Dickens’s story in a modern-day rural America contending with poverty and opioid addiction...Like Dickens, she is unblushingly political and…persuasively conveys the mind of a teenage boy….It’s hard to think of another living novelist who could take a stab at Dickens and rise above the level of catastrophe.”

    — New York Times
  • “An angry, powerful book seething with love and outrage for a community too often stereotyped or ignored.”

    — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
  • “A contemporaneous David Copperfield.”

    — Library Journal

Awards

  • An October 2022 LibraryReads Pick
  • An Oprah’s Book Club Selection
  • A New York Times bestseller
  • An Amazon.com bestseller
  • A Barnes & Noble bestseller
  • A #1 Washington Post bestseller
  • A New York Times Bestseller in Audio
  • A Kirkus Reviews Pick of 2022's Top Audiobooks
  • A New York Times 10 Best Books of the Year Pick
  • Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
  • Winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction
  • Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award
  • An Audible.com bestseller

Demon Copperhead Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.894736842105263 out of 54.894736842105263 out of 54.894736842105263 out of 54.894736842105263 out of 54.894736842105263 out of 5 (4.89)
5 Stars: 17
4 Stars: 2
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 4.7894736842105265 out of 54.7894736842105265 out of 54.7894736842105265 out of 54.7894736842105265 out of 54.7894736842105265 out of 5 (4.79)
5 Stars: 15
4 Stars: 4
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 4.842105263157895 out of 54.842105263157895 out of 54.842105263157895 out of 54.842105263157895 out of 54.842105263157895 out of 5 (4.84)
5 Stars: 17
4 Stars: 1
3 Stars: 1
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — 11/25/2024
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — 7/24/2024
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is one of the best books I’ve “read” in years! The writing is clear, simple, and dazzling. I loved living in Lee County with all of these characters. The only thing I did not like was that it ended. "

    — Hina Moon, 3/23/2024
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — 2/23/2024
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — 2/23/2024
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Carolyn Roque, 1/19/2024
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Barbara Stratton, 12/31/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Kathy Babin, 12/30/2023
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This is an amazing story, and so completely detailed but I had to struggle to keep reading as I found it fairly depressing. It was very educational and full of interesting facts, but still hard to accept. Some of the situation is, for example football were too detailed the depressing part was the child abuse, and then hearing all of the drug history. An education in itself. "

    — Ani Mac, 9/12/2023
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    — MJ, 3/29/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — 3/24/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — 3/24/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — davic yeu, 2/21/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " To make a long story short (LOL) Demon Copperhead is an emotionally charged story about survival in rural Appalachia. It’s a compelling account of what it means to be human – struggling against all odds to make something out of nothing. Truly inspiring and very highly recommended! "

    — David Little, 1/27/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Barbara Kingsolver captures the rugged beauty, culture and struggles of the Appalachian region of the U.S. with vivid language that paints a realistic picture of life in rural poverty and its attendant struggles. Her prose is captivating, drawing listeners into the world she has created, allowing them to share in her characters’ experiences. The narrator amplifies its emotional resonance with an expressive performance that effectively conveys both the humor and heartache of the characters with sensitivity and nuance. Demon Copperhead is an evocative story that shines a light on underrepresented social issues while exploring themes of family, identity, love and loss. It’s one of the best novels I’ve read this year! "

    — Holly1, 1/12/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book was a great recommendation from Oprah Winfrey and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I did however feel like the narration faltered here and there with some of the accents but that's not unheard of with dialects like this. It barely detracted from the story. "

    — Keekee L, 12/16/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Janis phillips, 12/9/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Demon Copperhead is a rather captivating story set in the rugged and picturesque Appalachian Mountains and told with great warmth, heart and insight into human nature. It's an oftentimes dark tale about poverty and loneliness but it's also full of moments that made me smile. Kingsolver’s characters are fully realized—they're complex individuals who can't be boiled down to a simple stereotype or archetype—and her writing also touches on themes such as love, friendship, family, loyalty, courage and strength. Additionally the narrator’s voice work brings out the beauty of the Appalachian landscape and its people, as well as the struggles they face on a daily basis. From its vivid portrayal of Appalachia to its compelling storyline of one brave boy trying to make his way in the world against all odds - there's something here for everyone. "

    — AZ23, 12/7/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Demon Copperhead is a fantastic audiobook that I highly recommend to everyone and I can see why Oprah picked it as a top read. Set in a small Appalachian town with vivid descriptions of the characters and their struggles, this book will definitely keep your interest from start to finish. Charlie Thurston’s narration adds an extra layer of depth and dimension to the novel. His voice is soft yet powerful and his storytelling style is captivating, allowing listeners to really get immersed in the story. His ability to capture all of the nuances in Barbara Kingsolver’s writing creates a truly immersive experience which allows readers to experience Demon Copperhead through more than just reading it. The book itself is full of insight into Appalachian culture and daily life while still focusing on universal themes such as love, loss and identity that everyone can relate to. Check it out and I'm rather sure you'll agree! "

    — Clara, 11/2/2022

About Barbara Kingsolver

Barbara Kingsolver is the author of more than ten New York Times bestsellers, including works of fiction, poetry, essays, and creative nonfiction. Her work has earned literary awards, including the National Humanities Medal, our country’s highest honor for service through the arts, as well as the prestigious Dayton Literary Peace Prize for her body of work. She is the founder of the PEN/Bellwether Prize.

About Charlie Thurston

Charlie Thurston is an experienced audiobook narrator, actor, and playwright who has received numerous Earphones Awards for his work. He has appeared on Law and Order: SVU, and his voice can be heard in audiobooks such as The Oracle Year, Southernmost, The Terranauts, and The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone.