TLC Book Tour: News of the World

When I saw that Paulette Jiles had written a new book, I knew that she was an author I had read before, but it had been a while, and I couldn't remember much beyond that. However, I love historical fiction novels, and News of the World sounded like a great read.

And I was right.  This is a slim novel, and didn't take me long to read the entire story of Captain Jefferson Kidd who spends his days traveling from one remote Texas town to another, reading news to the residents.  His news reading allows him to save money for the future, as he waits for his daughters to move to Texas.  Both daughters are still living in the South, but times are hard there after the Civil War's end. 

Captain Kidd finds himself escorting a ten year old girl to her aunt and uncle after she was held captive by the Kiowa for four years.  Her immediate family was murdered in the Indian raid, and she sees herself as Kiowa, not understanding many of the ways of the white man.

Kidd realizes that her aunt and uncle have no emotional interest in this girl, and see her only as an indentured servant.  Although taking on a child is the last thing he needs, Kidd must decide if he can leave her with these people, or if there is another option he can find.

I really enjoyed how the relationship between Captain Kidd and the girl developed, and their interactions as they learned more about each other.  This is a book that will stick with me for a long time, and is a fantastic story that I'll be thinking about for a long time.

Thanks to TLC Book tours for providing a copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are, as always, my own.

Visit Harper Collins to learn more about this title.