Simon the Fiddler

A Novel

By: Paulette Jiles

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

The critically acclaimed, best-selling author of News of the World and Enemy Women returns to Texas in this atmospheric story, set at the end of the Civil War, about an itinerant fiddle player, a ragtag band of musicians with whom he travels trying to make a living, and the charming young Irish lass who steals his heart.

In March 1865, the long and bitter War between the States is winding down. Till now, 23-year-old Simon Boudlin has evaded military duty thanks to his slight stature, youthful appearance, and utter lack of compunction about bending the truth. But following a barroom brawl in Victoria, Texas, Simon finds himself conscripted, however belatedly, into the Confederate Army. Luckily his talent with a fiddle gets him a comparatively easy position in a regimental band.

Weeks later, on the eve of the Confederate surrender, Simon and his bandmates are called to play for officers and their families from both sides of the conflict. There the quick-thinking, audacious fiddler can’t help but notice the lovely Doris Mary Aherne, an indentured girl from Ireland, who is governess to a Union colonel’s daughter.

After the surrender, Simon and Doris go their separate ways. He will travel around Texas seeking fame and fortune as a musician. She must accompany the colonel’s family to finish her three years of service. But Simon cannot forget the fair Irish maiden, and vows that someday he will find her again.

Incandescent in its beauty, told in Paulette Jiles’ trademark spare yet lilting style, Simon the Fiddler is a captivating, bittersweet tale of the chances a devoted man will take, and the lengths he will go to fulfill his heart’s yearning.

©2020 Paulette Jiles (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Probably the best book I’ve heard in awhile! I’d give this 11 stars if I could.

Paulette Jiles is one of the best authors there is. And Grover Gardner has got to be just about the best narrator there is, and there are some mighty fine ones.

I know I’m going to be missing Simon and his crew, and Grover Gardner’s voice when I listen to the next audiobook.

Lovely sweet story

A beautiful period piece that gives a wonderful feel for the post civil war frontier environment. Reader is well known among longtime listeners and is very competent if somewhat deadpan. But the feel of the times and the thoughts of those looking to survive and thrive in a disordered world that still has a sense of guiding morality and etiquette that reaches through all strata of society is fascinating. Enjoy!

Good Story

This is a great story that rings true to life. My wife and I listened to this together which is rare for us. We both thought It was a great story. Characters come to life and it provides a glimpse of what life was like after the civil war.

Excellent Listen!

I have listened to this twice. In part because of the narrator and in part the story. Both are an amazing blend of history and story telling. I came upon this book after reading News of the World. Also and excellent story. Same time period and same narrator. They actually mention Captain Kid in this story who is the main character in News of the World. Both books are a simple, entertaining and an enjoyable listen. They will just sweep you away.
I’m always sorry when they end.

This is a very enjoyable read

This is a very well written and engaging story. Character development is excellent. The author weaves musical sounds and poetic descriptions of events and places into an interesting story with almost lyrical dialogue. Well done.

Beautiful narration

What a great tale of life in Texas after the Civil War! I was right there. Amazing narration.

So good!!

If you liked “News of the World”, you’ll love this book. Simon and his journey left me wanting more of his story. I hated to see it end. Paulette Jiles has an amazing ability to capture the time period. It’s as if she stepped out of the past to present day. And boy oh boy, Grover Gardner was as good as he was in “News of the World “. No lie. I loved this book!

Could have had more........a reel, a jig, a waltz!

I enjoyed the story. It was set in the era after the Civil War which lately I have found interesting. I especially enjoyed the fact that the story was wrapped around a fiddle player and all the music that went with him. My only wish was: There would have been a continued adventure with Simon and Doris in this book.

What an enjoyable journey!

Rich performance of an enjoyable tale of interesting characters. The author painted a picture with details and fun moments of humor. This was my first Jiles novel but it won’t be my last!

Enthralling

I loved listening to this book from beginning to end. There are few important characters so it was easy to keep everyone straight in my mind. Those few characters were well developed. This takes place during the Civil War & beyond. The story is, of course, about a fiddle player named Simon & all his adventures. I could not put it down! It was time well spent. I miss Simon already!