Demon Copperhead

Barbara Kingsolver, Faber & Faber, £20

Demon – his nickname

– is born into poverty to a loving but damaged mother. He has had to use every ounce of wit, charm and inner strength to survive not only neglect and privation, but an opioid crisis that’s devastating his community. Bursting with life and told in Demon’s irresistible voice, this book is an education. A modern-day David Copperfield, it’s angry, funny and engrossing.