Paulette JilesReseñas

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS
(Print: October 4, 2016;978-0062409201; William Morrow; 224 pages)
*Audio: 8/25/2020; 9780063041554; HarperAudio; duration 06:42:05 (6 parts); Unabridged.
(Digital: Yes)
(Film: Yes).

SERIES
N/A

CHARACTERS: (Not comprehensive)
Jefferson Kyle Kidd - Septarian News reader
Johanna - Ten year old child who has adapted to the ways of her Indian captors and does not seem to remember any other life.

SUMMARY/ EVALUATION:
How I picked it: Recommended by my fellow audiobook fan and long-time friend, Cindy Huffman.
What it’s about: AN aging gentleman who travels about northern Texas reading the World News to communities for a living, who is approached with a request to deliver a (cantankerous) freed captive orphan girl to her family for a fee.
What I thought: Great, moving story with interesting characters and plot.

AUTHOR:
Paulette Jiles:
“Paulette Jiles (aka Paulette K. Jiles, Paulette Jiles-Johnson) (born 4 April 1943) is an American poet, memoirist, and novelist.” __Wikipedia

NARRATOR:
Grover Gardner:
“Grover Gardner (b 1956)[1] is an American narrator of audiobooks. As of May 2018, he has narrated over 1,200 books.[2] He was the Publishers Weekly "Audiobook Narrator of the Year" (2005) and is among AudioFile magazine's "Best Voices of the Century".[2]” __ Wikipedia

Grover does an excellent narration!

GENRE:
Fiction; Literature; Western; Historical Fiction

LOCATIONS:
Texas

TIME FRAME
Post American Civil War

SUBJECTS:
World News; Indians; Children kidnapped by Indians; family reunion; bonding; adjusting; poverty

DEDICATION
For friends on long trails: Susan, June, April, Nancy, Caroline, Wanda, Evelyn, and Rita Wightman Whippet

SAMPLE QUOTATION:
From Chapter 1
“Captain Kidd thought it was going to be about the Fifteenth Amendment but it was not.
Yes sir, Captain Kidd, would you come with me? Britt straightened and lifted his hat to his head and so did Dennis and Paint. Britt said, I got a problem in my wagon.
She seemed to be about ten years old, dressed in the horse Indians’ manner in a deerskin shift with four rows of elk teeth sewn across the front. A thick blanket was pulled over her shoulders. Her hair was the color of maple sugar and in it she wore two down puffs bound onto a lock of her hair by their minute spines and also bound with a thin thread was a wing-feather from a golden eagle slanting between them. She sat perfectly composed, wearing the feather and a necklace of glass beads as if they were costly adornments. Her eyes were blue and her skin that odd bright color that occurs when fair skin has been burned and weathered by the sun. She had no more expression than an egg.
I see, said Captain Kidd. I see.
He had his black coat collar turned up against the rain and the cold and a thick wool muffler around his neck. His breath moved out of his nose in clouds. He bit his lower lip on the left side and thought about what he was looking at in the light of the kerosene hurricane lantern Britt held up. In some strange way it made his skin crawl.
I am astonished, he said. The child seems artificial as well as malign.
Britt had backed one of his wagons under the roof of the fairway at the livery stable. It didn’t fit all the way in. The front half of the wagon and the driver’s seat was wild with the drumming noise of the rain and a bright lift of rain-spray surrounded it. The back end was under shelter and they all stood there and regarded the girl the way people do when they come upon something strange they have caught in a trap, something alien whose taxonomy is utterly unknown and probably dangerous. The girl sat on a bale of Army shirts. In the light of the lantern her eyes reflected a thin and glassy blue. She watched them, she watched every movement, every lift of a hand. Her eyes moved but her head was still."

RATING:
4 stars.

STARTED-FINISHED
6/10/22 - 6/19/22

Severely injured in an explosion, John Chenneville spends the last year of the American Civil War recovering in a military hospital. When he returns to his family home in Missouri, he learns that his sister and her family were brutally murdered and the crime was covered up by local officials. Chenneville gleans enough information from local sources to identify the killer, and vows revenge. After several months rebuilding the physical strength and mental acuity lost in the explosion, Chenneville sets out on his journey, following clues that will take him deep into Texas’ rural Indian territory and eventually to the Gulf coast. It’s a solitary and dangerous pursuit; some areas are under martial law and others are barely governed at all. But as with most journeys, by the time Chenneville reached the end of his search he had discovered a great deal about himself and found hope in the midst of great loss.

As with Paulette Jiles’ previous books, the history and landscape are brought to life. John Chenneville is a great character, developed more fully than those in the earlier books, which adds depth to this novel. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction.

It was good, not necessarily great. I saw the film first, so I was picturing the actors when I read about the characters. I don't like when authors don't used quotation marks, so that was distracting for me. I also had trouble deciphering some of Johanna's words, when she was trying to relearn the Engllish language. And when using Kiowa words I had to Google them.
Anyway, Joanna's family is killed by Kiowa, and she is taken captive by the tribe. Eventually she is "rescued" and Captain Kidd, someone who travels and reads newspaper articles to paying customers, agrees to return her to her aunt and uncle.
The relationship between Captain and Joanna, and the softening of an old man's heart, are the best parts of the book. Joanna's re-entry into the white world is slow and painful, yet toward the end it seems like some of it was a bit unbelievable. Without giving too much away, I thought it wrapped up a bit too neatly at the end.
A good read. A fast read.½

At Wichita Falls in 1870 Captain( late of the CSA) Jefferson Kane Kidd was paid $50 by two freedmen to transport 10 year old Johanna Leonberger to her relatives at Castorville TX. Johanna was taken captive when she was 4 by the Kiowa after her parents and sister were brutally killed. Kidd agrees, buys a wagon and together the two start off on a perilous journery of over 400 miles of the untamed Texas frontier. To earn money Kidd buys papers from across the country and abroad to read at small towns along the way. In this was he spreads news of the world to people who otherwise had no knowledge of. To make matters more difficult, Johanna no longer speaks English but only Kiowa. Jiles paints with words the harshness of not only the land but the people Kidd and Johanna encountered. After reading this novel, I understand why it was made into a major motion picture. My only complaint is there are no quotations use with the characters dialogue. Having said that, this is a book not to be missed.

When Union army veteran John Chenneville returns to his St. Louis home after recovering from a head injury in a military hospital in Virginia at the close of the Civil War, he discovers his sister and her family was murdered by a corrupt law enforcement official who worked in Ste. Genevieve. Chenneville sets out seeking revenge. He follows the man through Missouri to Fort Smith, through Indian Territory where he has a couple of encounters--one with young Indians and another with a federal official based out of Fort Smith soon after the man he seeks commits another murder. Fleeing the agent out of Fort Smith and pursuing the man, he goes into Texas. He meets Belle, the telegraph operator who has been helping him gather information on the whereabouts of the man he pursues. After recovering from a fever, he sets out, gathering information that sets him on course for the encounter. I loved the way the story was built which brought just enough action and excitement along the way, but the ending fell flat for me.½

Heartfelt story of two unlikely travelers that share a different and dangerous journey across brutal Western territory. Good pace, easy read.

After spending months recuperating from a head wound, Union LT. John Chenneville returns home only to be told a short time later that his sister, sister's husband, and infant child had been murdered. Chenneville learns the the man responsible, A. J. Dodd, was not charged and is on the run. Thus begins an journey that takes him from Missouri, Arkansas, Indian Territory, and Texas to seek vengeance for his family. This is an epic story set in the post, reconstruction Civil War. Chenneville would make for a great movie and I hope it's brought to the silver screen. I will be seeking out additional novels written by Paulette Jiles.

Good book, fairly quick read. The story involves an older man in the 1860s after the war, making a living by travelling from town to town in Texas reading the news to the local people. He accepts a job of transporting a young girl who had been captured by the Kiowa four years ago to her relatives in San Antonio. The story unfolds from there, the difficulties of the journey, how the girl learned to trust him, and how in some ways she changed from Kiowa to her former self, but never completely.

Historical fiction following the plight of Adair Colley whose family lost their farm to the Union Militia who decided who were not loyal to the South during the time of the Civil War. Adair finds herself sent to a women?s prison in St Louis where she meets a Union major in charge of the inmates confessions. They meet regularly and love happens. He aids in her ability to escape by giving her two $25 gold pieces and promise to meet at her family farm after the war. It is quite a read, with historical letters mixed in with the story. Enjoyed a lot.

Very good Civil War drama about woman captured, jailed in St. Louis and her escape to get back home.

Interesting story made dull by the author's writing style. There were a lot of good events and history tied together by the undercurrent of Johanna's "adjustment" and whether it was possible or made sense. But altogether I found the book predictable, tiresome, boring, and poorly paced - particularly rushed near the end. Also, there seemed to be a big jump in the middle where she was this quasi feral child who wanted to escape and understood no English to all of a sudden being social and rapidly acquiring or learning English. Didn’t enjoy the character development of the other characters. Just too shallow.

PS: I never did figure out what the word "Kontah" means.

Another beautifully written book by Paulette Jiles! She does such a great job capturing the Civil War time period after and putting the reader into the story and characters.

A lovely story and beautiful writing.

Like Captain Kidd, the news reader main character in Paulette Jiles' award-winning News of the World, John Chenneville is on a journey - actually, more than one journey.  First is the trip from a military hospital in Virginia back to his family's home on the Missouri River near St. Louis, in September 1865.  Fighting for the Union Army, John was badly wounded in the head in the Civil War, and is finally well enough to make the long trip home.

When he arrives home, he learns that his sister, her Confederate husband, and their baby (named after him) were murdered.  As the subtitle indicates - "a novel of murder, loss, and vengeance," John wants vengeance.  He spends over a year at home, working his property while trying to improve his memory, balance, and accuracy with numbers and guns.  That's the second journey.

In November 1866, he starts the third - to find his sister's killer.  His journey takes him through Missouri, Arkansas, and Indian Territory (Oklahoma), to Texas, all areas experiencing the chaos, ruin, and lawlessness of Reconstruction in the western slave states.  There's a map in the endpapers of the hardbound book I checked out from the library that shows most of the places he went.

Jiles was born in Missouri and spent the first part of her life there, and now lives in Texas.  Research in Missouri for her memoir Cousins and her first novel, Enemy Women, which is also set in the Reconstruction era, provided background for the Missouri portions of this book, as did News of the World (and two other books I haven't read yet) set in the same period in Texas. Jiles is also a poet, and between her research and her spare but powerful language, the reader can truly picture the settings and really get to know the characters, even the minor ones.

By the way, there's a reference to news reader in this book (page 300), as well as to a fiddler (page 303), likely an homage to Jiles' Simon the Fiddler, which I haven't read yet.  If you've liked any of Jiles' previous Western historical fiction, you'll like Chenneville too.½

What terrific story and what a great character.

This was an enjoyable historical fiction book about a Civil War veteran in pursuit of a murderer from Missouri to Texas to seek revenge. I enjoyed the character insights and the historical accuracy; the sense of place and time was well-developed. This was my first Paulette Jiles book, though I had seen the News of the World movie. I will likely read more of her works.

I started reading this in actual book form and switched pretty quickly to audiobook. The author uses no quotation marks, which I HATE, and when I was listening, I didn't have to keep being annoyed by that, which made the book SO much more enjoyable!

John Chenneville spent months in some sort of a coma after a head wound in a Civil War battle in Virginia. Unexpectedly, he comes around and is able to find his way back to his home in Missouri only to find that his father is dead, his sister and family have been brutally murdered, and his mother has moved south. He swears revenge on the killer of his sister's family.

The bulk of the book is the search for the killer who he supposes is a man named Dodd. Chenneville follows Dodd from Missouri through parks of Arkansas and into Texas. Along the way, he meets various individuals who either know or whose lives have also been affected by Dodd including a woman who is a telegraph operator.

The story is realistic, interesting, and believable. The characters reflect the confusion of life after the Civil War where in parts of the country it is still not over.

The endings is very satisfying. Good story, good writing.

This is a good book. Quiet, full of heart, and good for the soul.

SIMON THE FIDDLER by Paulette Jiles (2020) A sensory experience of post-Civil War life in Texas. It follows the days of a tough, talented musician who lost his property and future to the war, but is determined to succeed. With lyrical writing full of brawls, music, humor and sadness. Great read!

John Chenneville, farmer and union soldier has just woken from a coma, the result of a traumatic head wound. He still suffers from some memory loss and physical weakness that leaves him unable to walk without a cane. With war over, he returns home, determined to make a full recovery. However, shortly after returning, he learns of the brutal murder of his sister, her husband, and their baby by a man named Dodd although he goes by many names. Determined on revenge, John sets out on a chase that will take him from Missouri and through Texas, across a country still reeling from the Civil War.

Chenneville by Paulette Jiles is a beautifully written tale that completely steeps the reader in a country recovering from war. Although mainly character-driven, the prose is lyrical especially in her descriptions of the countryside John travels through. Although a story of revenge, it also examines themes of love and loss, grief, and the realities of a world after war. And despite John’s drive for revenge, the story ends on a surprisingly hopeful note both for John and the country. An exquisitely written story full of memorable characters and stunning prose that will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned.

Thanks to Edelweiss+ and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing for providing me with this book to review.

Paulette Jiles' "Chenneville" is a literary gem that seamlessly weaves together history, culture, and human connection. Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War Texas, this novel takes readers on a mesmerizing journey into the lives of its richly drawn characters, delivering a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring human spirit.

At the heart of "Chenneville" is the eponymous town, a place steeped in both hardship and resilience. Jiles skillfully paints a vivid portrait of a community grappling with the aftermath of war, facing the challenges of reconstruction, and adapting to a rapidly changing world. The author's meticulous research is evident in the way she brings the historical setting to life, from the dusty streets to the simmering tensions.

The story unfolds primarily through the perspective of Alma, a young woman navigating the complexities of her time. Alma's character is a triumph of Jiles' storytelling prowess. She is a fiercely independent and intelligent woman, determined to carve her own path in a society that often seeks to confine her. Her inner struggles and the obstacles she faces add depth to the narrative, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist.

Jiles' prose is nothing short of enchanting. Her lyrical writing captures the essence of the Texas landscape, evoking a sense of place that immerses readers in the harsh beauty of the frontier. The dialogue is peppered with authenticity, capturing the distinct voices of the era and region. This attention to detail breathes life into the story, making the characters and their world feel tangible.

While "Chenneville" is primarily a character-driven narrative, the plot takes unexpected and intriguing turns. The novel explores themes of love and longing, family and friendship, and the enduring bonds that hold people together. Jiles expertly crafts the relationships between characters, making each connection a source of both joy and sorrow. As Alma's life becomes increasingly intertwined with the inhabitants of Chenneville, the novel's emotional resonance deepens.

If there's a minor drawback to "Chenneville," it may be the novel's slow pacing, which some readers may find challenging. However, those who appreciate rich character development and a deep exploration of historical settings will likely savor every page.

In conclusion, "Chenneville" by Paulette Jiles is a captivating and elegantly written novel that transports readers to a bygone era. With its memorable characters, evocative prose, and a narrative that explores the complexities of the human experience, this book is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of storytelling. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction that goes beyond the surface, delving into the hearts and minds of its characters while shedding light on a lesser-known period in American history.

“...and the river seen at eye level was fringed on the far side by burr oaks a hundred and sixty feet tall, like the palisades of a great fortress. He floated in the milk-warm blood of a nation, of many nations.”

Union soldier John Chenneville is severely wounded in Virginia and after recovering for nearly a year, he returns to his home in St. Louis to continue his rehab. He soon finds out that his sister and her family have been brutally killed by a man named A.J Dodd. This sets Chenneville on a long, serpentine journey to track down this vicious killer. He does find romance along the way but nothing will sway him from his path of vengeance.
Paulette Jiles has been faithfully consistent about delivering well-written, satisfying novels, mostly set in the Old West and Chenneville is no exception. It is not as strong as News of the World but that one was first-class.

It's a breezy read and the characters are perhaps a bit more developed than in the movie adaptation but frankly there's not much more to find here, having seen the feature. No True Grit.

Much much better than the movie!!