The travel shaped Kingsolver's work by giving her an understanding of the world while remaining somewhat isolated from her peer groups. Kingsolver's family traveled to several countries during her childhood where her father would donate time as a physician, including Congo, but they 'always returned afterward to Kentucky,' her autobiography reads. Her novel ' Poisonwood Bible,' about a missionary family who moves to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 1950s, was nominated for the same award in 1999.

It's not the author's first dance with a Pulitzer.

Demon's journey follows coming-of-age experiences in addiction, love, school and more, reckoning with rural people getting abandoned by society.Ĭharles Dickens' novel 'David Copperfield' is the inspiration behind 'Demon Copperhead,' though the Pulitzer committee said it's not required reading to understand Kingsolver's book. The novel explores the story of a boy, Demon, with a 'fierce talent for survival' after being born into poverty, according to a summary of the book. Kingsolver is well-known for her works highlighting life growing up in Appalachia, where 'Demon Copperhead' is set. Fiction winners preferably deal with American life.įrom February: Iconic Kentucky author scrubbed from pared-down AP African American Studies course She was one of two winners announced Monday for work in 'distinguished fiction published during the year by an American author,' according to the Pulitzer website. Kingsolver, who grew up in rural Kentucky, took home the presigious award in the 'Fiction' category. That praise comes from the Washington Post's Ron Charles for Barbara Kingsolver's 2022 book 'Demon Copperhead.'

Watch Video: AP wins Pulitzers for Ukraine coverageĪ Kentucky author's story of a young Appalachian boy is 'equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking' - so much so that it won a 2023 Pulitzer Prize.

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