‘News of the World’ by Paulette Jiles

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd travels through northern Texas and makes a living giving live readings from newspapers to paying audiences hungry for news of the world. He is a crusty old soul and independent, enjoying his solitary rootless 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.

The story of their journey travelling together through unsettled territory and unforgiving terrain is captivating. Johanna speaks no English and tries to run away at first, but gradually as the miles and encounters with both drudgery and danger add up, they begin to trust each other and forge a bond. When they arrive, the captain must hand Johanna over to an aunt and uncle she does not remember–strangers who regard her as an unwanted burden and it breaks his heart and hers.

I loved this story so much and am eager to see the movie by the same name starring Tom Hanks which came out recently. Not sure where it will be available. I’ll include the trailer here. Also, Jiles has a second book out now which was published last year called Simon the Fiddler, based on a minor character in this novel– another itinerant, this time a musician.