Lifestyle

Barbara Kingsolver’s latest novel is her best

The lure of Barbara Kingsolver’s latest novel begins with its title: “Demon Copperhead.” What, now? This sprawling, brilliant story, set in southwestern Virginia’s impoverished Lee County in the 1990s and early 2000s, is a modern retelling of “David Copperfield.” You don’t need to have read Charles Dickens’ masterpiece to appreciate Kingsolver’s work, but some familiarity will add to the appreciation: OMG, is that nasty U-Haul guy really Uriah Heep? Is fragile little addict Dori based on Dora? If so, she’s doomed! Demon Copperhead, birth name Damon Fields, is a greeneyed, red-haired lad born on the grimy floor of a trailer to a doomed teenage addict. Schoolkids twist his first name into “Demon,” his last name into that of the lethal snake.

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Something new on the air

From The Examiner during the week of Oct. 16-21, 1972: “KCPT ON THE AIR WITH MORE POWER” – Programs which residents have never been able to get before were seen starting Monday on Channel 19, Kansas City Public Television. The authorization was received Monday from the Federal Communications Commission.

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GARAM MASALA AND TAMARIND ROASTED CHICKEN

https://www.177milkstreet.com/recipes/garam-masala-tamarind-roasted-chicken-cookish Start to finish: 2 hours (15 minutes active) Servings: 4 • 4 tablespoons (½ stick) salted butter, softened • 1 tablespoon garam masala • 1 tablespoon tamarind chutney, plus more to serve • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon • Kosher salt and ground black pepper • 4-pound whole chicken Heat the oven to 425°F. Set a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet.

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