"The News of the World" by Paulette Jiles is a beautifully written novel that takes readers on a journey through the post-Civil War Texas landscape. The story follows Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a war veteran and news reader who travels from town to town, reading the news to eager audiences.
When Captain Kidd is tasked with returning a young orphan girl, Johanna, to her family after she was kidnapped by the Kiowa tribe, he reluctantly agrees to take on the dangerous journey. As they travel together, a bond forms between the two unlikely companions, and they must navigate the challenges of the harsh landscape and hostile inhabitants.
Jiles' writing is vivid and lyrical, painting a rich portrait of the Texas frontier and the characters who inhabit it. The relationship between Captain Kidd and Johanna is beautifully rendered, and their journey is filled with moments of tension, tenderness, and resilience.
Overall, "The News of the World" is a captivating and poignant novel that explores themes of family, identity, and belonging. Jiles' storytelling is both engaging and moving, making this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction and literary fiction alike.