Demon Copperhead Book Review

Camilla Norton ‘25
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Demon Copperhead tells the transformative tale of a young boy navigating the struggles of poverty, isolation, and a drug epidemic. Inspired by David Copperfield, this bildungsroman follows Demon’s life as he faces countless hardships. Growing up with a single mother battling addiction, Demon is forced to learn independence and resilience from an early age. His mother’s drug problems led to years spent moving in and out of foster care.
The novel powerfully explores themes of generational trauma and the difficulty of breaking cycles of poverty and addiction. I highly recommend this book—it’s unique, full of unexpected twists, and emotionally compelling. It’s fascinating to follow the characters from birth through early adulthood, witnessing how they grow, change, and learn from their experiences.
Ultimately, the story highlights the importance of family and standing by one another through tough times. Despite his many struggles, Demon can turn his life around and choose a better path for himself. The novel tackles complex subjects, offering insight into how challenging it is to break free from all you've ever known. It powerfully shows how much our environment shapes who we are—and how difficult, yet possible, it is to rise above it.