Growing up with a single mom in a trailer, Demon is content with his small family and neighbors. But after tragedies strike repeatedly, Demon must learn how to survive a world without adults on his own.

Adapted from DAVID COPPERFIELD (Charles Dickens), DEMON is a poignant exploration of the challenges youths face in rural America. Kingsolver beautifully transforms the Victorian epic into a modern American classic that discusses the foster care system, the opioid epidemic, and the Rust Belt crisis.

The narrative begins with a deliberate pace, allowing readers to sink into the world of Demon, a ten-year-old with wisdom far beyond his years. Demon's voice is a standout element, a remarkable fusion of innocence and world-weariness. His observations and insights are delivered with a "tell it like it is" honesty that tugs at the heartstrings and forces us to confront the stark realities of his life.

"Because all the adults had gone off somewhere and left everything in our hands." This line encapsulates DEMON's theme—the burden placed on young shoulders when the adults around them falter. Kingsolver masterfully portrays the vulnerability and resilience of children thrust into circumstances beyond their control, and the emotional toll it takes on them.

The story doesn't shy away from the hurt that pervades Demon's life. As we journey alongside him, we are confronted with moments that evoke both empathy and heartache. The pain he endures is palpable, and the moments of tenderness and connection shine all the more brightly against the backdrop of adversity.

Kingsolver's portrayal of the foster care system is both a harsh critique and a call to action. She exposes its flaws and intricacies, shedding light on the bureaucratic red tape and systemic issues that often fail the very children it is meant to protect. Similarly, her depiction of the opioid crisis and players that contributed to the epidemic emphasizes the countless lives lost due to pharmaceutical greed. For readers interested in learning more about these topics, two non-fiction, WE WERE ONCE A FAMILY (Roxanna Asgarian) and EMPIRE OF PAIN (Patrick Radden Keefe), are phenomenal companion reads.

The final chapters of DEMON are an emotional rollercoaster that culminates in a gut-wrenching and cathartic experience. The rawness of Demon's journey crescendos, and I couldn't stop sobbing through the last 20% of the book. While some may find the ending too neatly tied up, after the tumultuous journey Demon has endured, it feels like a well-earned closure. Kingsolver deftly balances the gravity of the subject matters mentioned above with a sense of hope and redemption, crafting an authentic and satisfying ending. A special shoutout to Tommy, a character that reminds me of Samwise Gamgee. May we all find our own Sams and be the Sams we wish to see in the world