Barbara Kingsolver Unveils ‘Partita’: A Captivating New Novel Following ‘Demon Copperhead’ Success

NEW YORK – Celebrated author Barbara Kingsolver is set to explore new creative territory with her upcoming novel, delving into the world of classical music—a topic she seldom addressed during her upbringing in a quaint Kentucky town. This marks her first release since the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Demon Copperhead.”

Harper, a division of HarperCollins Publishers, revealed on Thursday that Kingsolver’s new work, titled “Partita,” will hit U.S. bookshelves on October 6, with a UK release by Faber scheduled two days later. True to the themes of her previous novels like “Demon Copperhead” and “The Poisonwood Bible,” this story is set in a rural backdrop. However, “Partita” introduces readers to a unique protagonist: a married woman and former pianist who is tormented by unfulfilled musical aspirations.

Back in the 1970s, Kingsolver herself pursued a music scholarship at DePauw University but later changed her major to biology, realizing the challenges of pursuing a career in classical piano. Alongside her musical pursuits, she harbored a passion for writing. Her journey included stints in journalism and the publication of poetry and short stories, culminating in her debut novel, “The Bean Trees,” released in 1988.

Reflecting on her dual passions, Kingsolver shared, “I have always been deeply passionate about both language and music, intertwining them in my mind. I never considered writing about a classical musician, given the communities I typically write about. Growing up, I was that peculiar kid in the country who adored Tolstoy and Bach, but kept those interests hidden. Now, it seems worthwhile to question why small-town musicians and country music lovers often feel out of place in a symphony hall, and vice versa.”

At 70, Kingsolver remains a powerful voice in socially aware fiction, frequently exploring themes of class, community, immigration, and the environment. Her bestselling novel “Demon Copperhead,” a modern reimagining of Charles Dickens’ “David Copperfield” set in contemporary Appalachia, enjoyed critical acclaim. Released in 2022, it was not only featured in Oprah Winfrey’s book club but also shared the fiction Pulitzer Prize with Hernan Diaz’s “Trust.”

Her other honors include a National Humanities Medal, a National Book Award for lifetime achievement and induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters.