I’m reading Demon Copperhead and I’ve only just realised that it’s based on David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. Somehow, I feel cheated. I hated Dickens in school - melodramatic claptrap - but it does explain the ‘serial’ feel of the book. It’s a clever book, the characters are credible, going beyond characterisation (another of my pet Dickens’ peeves.) And the writing is beautiful, wonderful imagery etc.

I know there’s nothing new under the sun and all tales are variations on a theme. This book, though, barely even changes the characters’ names.

I’m so disappointed. I don’t know what to think. And I’ve lost interest in finishing the book. Have you read it? What are your thoughts?