With News of the World by Paulette Jiles firmly on my TBR and a film of the book starring Tom Hanks recently released globally (the trailer for which you can view here), what better way to celebrate by giving one lucky UK reader a chance to win a paperback copy of News of the World? Thanks to Serena Stent at Harper 360, I am able to do just that. You’ll find details of how to enter below.
News of the World is published by Harper Collins and is available for purchase through these links.
News of the World
In this National Book Award finalist set in the aftermath of the Civil War, an aging itinerant news reader agrees to transport a young captive of the Kiowa back to her people in this exquisitely rendered, morally complex, multilayered novel of historical fiction that explores the boundaries of family, responsibility, honor, and trust
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.
Giveaway
For your chance to win a paperback copy of News of the World by Paulette Jiles click here. UK only. Giveaway closes at UK Midnight Wednesday 10th February 2021. The book will be sent directly from the publisher. Your details will not be retained by Linda’s Book Bag.
About Paulette Jiles
Paulette Jiles was born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks. A critically acclaimed poet, she is a past winner of the Canadian Governor General Award, Canada’s highest literary honour. She lives with her husband in San Antonio, Texas. She has written several novels of which Enemy Women is the most recent.
There’s more information on Paulette’s website and with these other bloggers:
Linda's Book Bag 
I loved the book and the movie. Of course the movie has some differences, but it was very good. Good luck to all who enter.
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That’s good to hear Carla!
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Both film and book sound great – I like Tom Hanks!
I’m not sure what era I’d like to visit. Late Victorian times maybe, or Austen’s Regency period or Henry VIII’s Tudor times. All historical eras I enjoy reading about but I’d probably be the scullery maid if I actually had lived in any of them!
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I’m looking forward to reading this one. I think I’d probably be a scullery maid too – or end up in the workhouse!
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I think I’d like to go back to the start of the industrial revolution and experience the wonder of inventions making life easier for people.
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Oh yes. I often think of my grandmother’s life, She was born somewhat later in 1890 and remembered new inventions like vacuum cleaners!
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I would love to visit the Victorian era. Ever since learning about it in junior school I have always had an interest,
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Great choice Laura!
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I’m looking forward to watching the film and the book sounds fabulous. I would settle for going back a couple of years at the moment pre Covid, for hugs and kisses with my family I miss them so much 😢
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Oh me too Lorraine. Let’s hope it isn’t too long before we can do that again xx
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Will add this to my book list
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I’d love to go back to the 60s, freedom would be wonderful, esp right now!
Can’t wait to read / see movie 🙂
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I think many of us would agree Richard!
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I love history. it was my main course at teacher training college many moons ago and I still get a thrill out of exploring the past but I’m not sure I’d want to go back in time at all!
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I wouldn’t mind heading forward a bit to having had my Covid jab!
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I’d love to go back to the swinging 60s. It just looks like such a fun time to be around. I’d also still be able to enjoy the 80s all over again 🙂
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Ah, well, we oldies remember the 60s!
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I watched the film a few days ago. It was slow, but I enjoyed the story and performances.
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I don’t have Netflix and I’m still to read the book!
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