Fri Feb 06 07:20:46 UTC 2026: ### Barbara Kingsolver Reflects on Literature’s Role in Divisive Times During Kolkata Visit
The Story:
American author Barbara Kingsolver was interviewed in Kolkata, India, during the Kolkata Literary Meet. The interview, published in The Hindu on February 6, 2026, explores her career, focusing on her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Demon Copperhead (2022), and her broader views on literature’s impact on society. Kingsolver emphasizes the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding different perspectives, particularly in what she describes as “divisive times” resembling a “civil war” in her home country. She also discusses her upcoming novel, Partita, expected in October.
Key Points:
- Kingsolver recast Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield into Demon Copperhead, addressing the opioid crisis in Appalachia.
- Demon Copperhead won the Pulitzer Prize and Women’s Prize for Fiction, becoming a New York Times bestseller.
- Kingsolver believes literature strengthens compassion by allowing readers to experience different viewpoints.
- Her upcoming novel, Partita, explores a musician’s life and her resilience through catastrophes.
- She suffers from Dupuytren’s disease, impacting her ability to grip and sign books.
Key Takeaways:
- Kingsolver sees literature as a tool for fostering empathy and understanding in politically polarized societies.
- Her literary success highlights the enduring power of classic narratives when adapted to contemporary social issues.
- The interview emphasizes Kingsolver’s commitment to giving voice to marginalized communities and challenging societal stereotypes.
First Piper 