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January 2026 Spotlight
Demon Copperhead
by Barbara Kingsolver
January 2026
158 members attended
A modern retelling of David Copperfield set in the Appalachian Mountains, exploring poverty, addiction, and resilience.
Discussion Summary
Our January gathering was an emotional journey through Barbara Kingsolver's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Members discussed the powerful parallels between Dickens' classic and modern-day Appalachia, with particular focus on the opioid crisis and foster care system. The discussion sparked meaningful conversations about empathy, privilege, and the American Dream.
Discussion Highlights
- Deep dive into the parallels with David Copperfield
- Discussion on the opioid crisis representation
- Analysis of Kingsolver's narrative voice
- Personal stories from members with Appalachian connections
About the Author
Barbara Kingsolver is an American novelist, essayist, and poet. She has won numerous literary awards including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the Women's Prize for Fiction for Demon Copperhead.