56 pages • 1 hour read
News of the World
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Book Brief
176
Novel • Fiction
Texas • 1870s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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.
Adventurous
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
143,464 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
143,464 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Johanna Leonberger
Johanna Leonberger
A 10-year-old girl who identifies more with her Kiowa captors than with her white family and struggles to reintegrate into American society with the Captain's help.
John Calley
John Calley
A young man in post-war Texas involved in legal matters, who eventually turns his life around and helps the Captain after a legal incident.
Wilhelm and Anna Leonberger
Wilhelm and Anna Leonberger
German immigrants living in Texas who show little warmth or emotion when reunited with Johanna.
Maria Luisa Betancort y Real
Maria Luisa Betancort y Real
The Captain's late wife, who came from an old Spanish family, though little is detailed about her in the story.
Elizabeth and Olympia
Elizabeth and Olympia
The Captain's two daughters, with Elizabeth being the industrious one and Olympia overcoming personal struggles.
Britt Johnson
Britt Johnson
A freed black man who earns a living hauling freight and is a good friend to the Captain, known for his ability to rescue captives.
Simon Boudlin
Simon Boudlin
A fiddler and friend of the Captain’s who, along with his girlfriend Doris, temporarily cares for Johanna.
Doris Dillon
Doris Dillon
An Irish woman who, along with Simon Boudlin, understands Johanna's cultural dislocation and offers to care for her.
Almay
Almay
The antagonist who tries to buy Johanna from the Captain, escalating to a violent confrontation.
The Horrell Brothers
The Horrell Brothers
A group of lawless cowboys depicted as violent and uncouth, opposing the Captain and Johanna.
The Merritt Brothers
The Merritt Brothers
Educated cowboys who serve as a foil to the Horrell Brothers, aiding the Captain and Johanna.
Mrs. Gannet
Mrs. Gannet
A widow in Dallas with whom the Captain is romantically interested, though their relationship never materializes.
Adolph
Adolph
A German acquaintance warning the Captain about the Leonbergers' poor treatment of Johanna.
176
Novel • Fiction
Texas • 1870s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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