News of the World

By Paulette Jiles

News of the World - Paulette Jiles
  • Release Date: 2016-10-04
  • Genre: Historical Fiction
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 1,293 Ratings

Description

Soon to be a Major Motion Picture

National Book Award Finalist—Fiction

In the aftermath of the Civil War, an aging itinerant news reader agrees to transport a young captive of the Kiowa back to her people in this exquisitely rendered, morally complex, multilayered novel of historical fiction from the author of Enemy Women that explores the boundaries of family, responsibility, honor, and trust.

In the wake of the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd travels through northern Texas, giving live readings from newspapers to paying audiences hungry for news of the world. An elderly widower who has lived through three wars and fought in two of them, the captain enjoys his rootless, solitary existence.

In Wichita Falls, he is offered a $50 gold piece to deliver a young orphan to her relatives in San Antonio. Four years earlier, a band of Kiowa raiders killed Johanna’s parents and sister; sparing the little girl, they raised her as one of their own. Recently rescued by the U.S. army, the ten-year-old has once again been torn away from the only home she knows.

Their 400-mile journey south through unsettled territory and unforgiving terrain proves difficult and at times dangerous. Johanna has forgotten the English language, tries to escape at every opportunity, throws away her shoes, and refuses to act “civilized.” Yet as the miles pass, the two lonely survivors tentatively begin to trust each other, forming a bond that marks the difference between life and death in this treacherous land.

Arriving in San Antonio, the reunion is neither happy nor welcome. The captain must hand Johanna over to an aunt and uncle she does not remember—strangers who regard her as an unwanted burden. A respectable man, Captain Kidd is faced with a terrible choice: abandon the girl to her fate or become—in the eyes of the law—a kidnapper himself.

Reviews

  • Great adventure read

    5
    By Choatex
    The adventures of the two main characters made this book fun. The depiction of a child taken in by the Kiowa tribes was not an issue I had contemplated before. I also loved the description of life in Texas immediately after the Confederate War including the lAy of the land and attitudes of its citizens.
  • A moving and inspired tale

    4
    By Mamareadzalott
    This was a hard book to put down. At times a bit slow but the story line between the Captain and Johanna was so tender and real.
  • Great Movie

    5
    By SenseiSoul
    What a sad, wonderful, and uplifting movie! Historical fiction at its best! The last few minutes in this movie made me tear up. A tremendous performance by Tom Hanks, unsurprisingly, and Helena Zengel. Highly recommend that you watch. So good, I plan on purchasing the movie, which I rarely do.
  • Excellent story.

    5
    By elwayne62
    I saw the movie with Tom hanks. I just like the way this author writes. Very genuine. The story is well told and the characters are well developed. It’s almost like the author knew just the right amount of words to use. Not too much to too little.
  • Exquisitely written

    5
    By Dfwjournalist
    So enjoyable on so many levels.
  • News of the World

    5
    By Bobby Dominguez
    I’ve read a million novels, I think. News of the World joins the list that left a mark on my psyche. I had never read Paulette Jiles. I will read her more. Bob Dominguez , San Antonio, Tx.
  • News of The World

    2
    By Stuck to books
    Not a well written story... lack of dialogue punctuation was a distraction as well as structural parallels. I’m no expert, but I do know as an avid reader what distracts from the story for me. Authenticity was also a problem... did the author goolge descriptions of towns and distances, and did the author have a working knowledge? In other words, is the author from Texas having knowledge that bouncing from town to town (even now) is no easy feat? I’ve never not finished a book I’ve started, and I trudged through this one just to finish it!
  • Honestly it’s better then excellent

    5
    By Lucario!&
    I love it because it’s so heartbreaking and such a lovable book.
  • Wonderful

    5
    By picsnsuch
    Words fail me. I loved this book. Beautiful
  • News of the World

    5
    By kentla1026
    Character driven, two people you will fall in love with and never forget! Read it! I loved this book!