Councillors across Bedford Borough have been telling us about their favourite books throughout our Year of Reading.
And this week it’s the turn of Councillor Lucy Bywater, who reached for a slice of heartbreak, joy, wit and sass with Demon Copperhead by the excellent Barbara Kingsolver.
She said; “I read a lot for pleasure, fiction and nature memoirs especially and I work in publishing for my ‘day job’. So when asked to choose my favourite book, rather than overthink it, I opted for what I’d read recently that had really stayed with me.
“Demon Copperhead by the excellent Barbara Kingsolver is a brilliant modern retelling of Charles Dickens’ best novel, David Copperfield (which I first read in 2020). This modern story is told by young ‘Demon’, son of a drug-using single mother, starting with his dramatically described birth.
“We follow his struggle to survive, with so very few choices, often let down by adults, growing up suffering exploitation and abuse in American’s Appalachia.”
Councillor Bywater shared her choice as part of Bedford Borough Council’s Year of Reading, a Borough-wide initiative taking place throughout 2025. It features a wide range of events and initiatives to celebrate and promote reading, including town centre performances, literary trails, and author readings.
She added; “At the core of the story is the real-life scandal of prescription drug addiction in the USA. If this sounds grim reading, please do NOT be put off!
“Demon’s voice (southern lilt) is so very real, I challenge any reader not to believe in him and care about him. He’s witty, sassy and likeable, a character set on surviving against all the odds, finding love and even moments of joy.
“Be ready for dark times and heartbreak - but hope, too.”
To find out more or to get involved in Bedford Borough Council’s Year of Reading, visit www.bedford.gov.uk/yearofreading or email yearofreading@bedford.gov.uk
And remember - if you want to read a copy of Demon Copperhead or any other book recommended by our councillors, you can always see if it's available in one of our libraries!
Visit or call any of our libraries during staffed hours and staff will help you to request titles, remembering to have your library card with you. You can also search the catalogue and request books on the library app or online catalogue using your library card number and PIN. If you’re not sure of your PIN, you can request a reminder. There is a charge for requesting books, but it’s free for children.
Library opening hours, PIN requests, and online catalogue is all accessible on the dedicated page on our website, and the app is called Bedfordshire Libraries in the App Store.