Demon Copperhead

You can imagine a novelist working out what their next book will attempt. Tackle a current issue, say, like the systematic, evil campaign to promote the use of opioids. Or maybe you mount a defence of the area you come from, which - like the Black Country, say - has become the butt of lazy jokes and caricature. Or maybe you go back to the classics, and make your novel an updated version of a familiar book, but give it enough of your own character and voice for readers to feel they’re getting something original.

What you probably wouldn’t do is take on all three at once. But that’s what Barbara Kingsolver has attempted - and magnificently achieved - with “Demon Copperhead”. She follows the outline of “David Copperfield” closely; you can tick off the characters as they arrive, and note some changes of name and crucial detail, but it’s also a vivid, lively account of the Appalachian area where she grew up, and a totally gripping read. Shropshire Libraries knew this would be big, and have quite a few copies. I think it’s the best book I’ve read this year, and I’d advise you to get your request in early.