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News of the World

Paulette Jiles

276 Pages
2016

News of the World

HarperCollins

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News of the World - Summary

In a world still reeling from the aftermath of the Civil War, 'News of the World' by Paulette Jiles follows Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a veteran and widower who works as an itinerant news reader. He is entrusted with returning Johanna, a young girl who had been held captive by the Kiowa tribe, to her relatives. Together they embark on a perilous journey across Texas that becomes a story of resilience and healing.

Key Themes

1

The Healing Power of Connection

Through their journey, Captain Kidd and Johanna overcome language and cultural barriers, forming a bond that demonstrates how human connection can heal deep wounds. Their relationship develops through shared experiences of vulnerability and strength.

2

The Fragility of Home

The novel explores how 'home' extends beyond physical locations. Johanna's complex relationship with belonging, having been taken from her family and raised by the Kiowa, and Captain Kidd's questioning of his own place reveal the fluid nature of home.

3

The Enduring Legacy of Conflict

Set in post-Civil War America, the story reveals the lasting impact of conflict through physical destruction and societal divisions. Johanna represents the human cost of conflict and the journey toward reconciliation.

FAQ's

'News of the World' follows Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a veteran and widower, who is tasked with returning a young girl named Johanna to her relatives after she was held captive by the Kiowa tribe. Their journey across Texas is filled with challenges and becomes a story of resilience and healing.

The key themes in 'News of the World' include the healing power of connection, the fragility of home, and the enduring legacy of conflict. These themes are explored through the evolving relationship between Captain Kidd and Johanna, their search for belonging, and the backdrop of post-Civil War America.

Initially, Captain Kidd and Johanna struggle to connect due to their different languages, cultures, and experiences. However, as they face various dangers and uncertainties together, they begin to form a fragile bond. Through shared moments of vulnerability and strength, they offer each other solace and understanding, highlighting the potential for human connection to heal deep wounds.

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