News of the World

A Novel

By: Paulette Jiles

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

National Book Award Finalist—Fiction

It is 1870 and Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd travels through northern Texas, giving live readings to paying audiences hungry for news of the world. An elderly widower who has lived through three wars and fought in two of them, the captain enjoys his rootless, solitary existence. 

In Wichita Falls, he is offered a $50 gold piece to deliver a young orphan to her relatives in San Antonio. Four years earlier, a band of Kiowa raiders killed Johanna's parents and sister; sparing the little girl, they raised her as one of their own. Recently rescued by the U.S. army, the ten-year-old has once again been torn away from the only home she knows.

Their 400-mile journey south through unsettled territory and unforgiving terrain proves difficult and at times dangerous. Johanna has forgotten the English language, tries to escape at every opportunity, throws away her shoes, and refuses to act "civilized." Yet as the miles pass, the two lonely survivors tentatively begin to trust each other, forging a bond that marks the difference between life and death in this treacherous land.

Arriving in San Antonio, the reunion is neither happy nor welcome. The captain must hand Johanna over to an aunt and uncle she does not remember—strangers who regard her as an unwanted burden. A respectable man, Captain Kidd is faced with a terrible choice: abandon the girl to her fate or become—in the eyes of the law—a kidnapper himself. Exquisitely rendered and morally complex, News of the World is a brilliant work of historical fiction that explores the boundaries of family, responsibility, honor, and trust.

©2016, 2017, 2019 Paulette Jiles (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

News of the World

I have listened to this Audible 3 times!
The relationship of Capt. Kidd and Johanna,
though fictional, gives us hope that such love
and unselfishness might be possible in our
tortured world.

A Good Read for these Troubled Times

This beautifully written and narrated story has held me captive for several hours over just a few short days. I made myself take my time listening to it as, although I was anxious for a satisfactory end, I didn't want it to come too soon. The wonderful character of the "Kiptain" as the little girl Johanna called Captain Kidd and the child's remarkable stoic endurance of tragedy and instinctive trust and eventual loving relationship with the Captain who raised her as his own daughter is a testament to the great goodness of which human beings are still capable.

Historical fiction of Texas

Fun read. Great, believable characters, nice development of the growing relationship between the two protagonists, lots of suspense, good vs bad characters. Fun read.
beautifully written descriptions of East Texas landscapes, historical settings, explanation of the politics of the post Civil War in Texas.
Most of all, it was beautifully written with nice character/relationship building. The narrator was excellent too.
I hope to read mor of Paulette Jiles’ novels

BUYER BEWARE! Don't buyy this same book twice!

Usually audible will list a book as already being in your library... unless it has been released a second time. As I listened, I recognized the story as one I had listened to previously. I checked my library and sure enough, there it was... same title, author and narrator. As near as I can tell it just has a different cover (now featuring Tom Hanks since this is coming out soon as a movie). I consider the lack of identifying it as the same book to be a glitch in audibles system. It made me angry since I have discovered I cannot return books purchased on sale. I am reminding myself that for the most part my audible subscription has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself. As for the book... it is a thoughtful slower paced western. I recommend it.

Amazing

The story sucks you in and carries you away in this emotional incredible journey. You will be tearing up by the end of the book. Such a sweet poignant story...

A gorgeous, perfect book

I’ve never written a review before. But this was such a wonderful, gorgeous, perfect book and the narrator was so exactly right, I had to say. I was swept away

I almost returned this book

This book was surprisingly very boring considering it had all 5 star reviews. It just came out on Audible. And it’s being made into a movie? It had no action until the last third of the book when there was an exciting gun fight and then boring again until the ending. So although I liked the story itself, I could not give it above a 3 star. The narrator was soothing and fit the main character and he did Johanna well. The author could have done so much more with this story idea!

Love Lonesome Dove?

A smart odyssey through old Texas with in depth character development with a focus on a strong, intelligent and sympathetic duo that you will cheer as their relationship develops.

Rich and satisfying story

The story of Captan Kidd and Johanna/Cicada captured me from the very beginning. It is a story of the highest love that grew from a gentleman/grandfather and a child who needed his protection. The book was a sweet retreat with enough harrowing adventure to keep me entertained. The story moved me deeply. I’m so sad that it’s over. I’ll have to read it again

Very engaging

I enjoyed the book and the narrator did a great job too. When it got past their travels I nearly stopped listening because I couldn’t stand the thought that it would be sad but I continued listening and was glad that I did.

Highly recommend

I listened to the audible book after seeing the film. I recommend both.
The film is a clever and well crafted adaptation.
The book allows for a fuller and deeper exploration of character, internal worlds etc.

A nice relaxing western

Thoroughly enjoyed this western it was a great story a good pace and just enough sense of danger with the bad guys looming to keep you guessing. I'll watch the film this weekend but recommend it as an easy listen

I know how she felt.

Really good story? I know how she must have felt, having myself been torn away from my parents at the age of five and a half years and sent Buchenwald Concentration Camp for three years. It is very hard to come to terms with how much it changes your out look on life.
Really enjoyed this book.

I loved the movie and the book!

I watched the wonderful movie starring Tom Hanks and was interested to see how different the book was going to be. Obviously it was difficult but the movie kept true to the original story and I loved them both!!