56 pages • 1 hour read
Paulette JilesNews of the World
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016A 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
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
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 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.