56 pages 1 hour read

Paulette Jiles

News of the World

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Paulette Jiles's novel News of the World, 72-year-old Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd is tasked with escorting 10-year-old Johanna Leonberger, who was kidnapped by the Kiowa, from Wichita to her relatives in Castroville, Texas, in 1870. As they navigate the perils of post-Civil War Texas, including bandits and cultural clashes, they form a deep bond that profoundly changes their lives.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

News of the World by Paulette Jiles is lauded for its evocative prose and rich historical detail, transporting readers to post-Civil War Texas. The emotional journey between Captain Kidd and the young girl captivates many, though some find the pacing uneven. It excels in character development and atmospheric storytelling, making it a recommended read despite minor flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read News of the World?

Fans of historical fiction who appreciated the rich detail in Cold Mountain or the journeying narratives found in Lonesome Dove will enjoy News of the World by Paulette Jiles. Ideal for readers who relish character-driven stories set in post-Civil War America, it offers an evocative, emotional tale of redemption and unlikely companionship.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Genre

Western

Historical Fiction

Action / Adventure

Topics

History: World