NEWS OF THE WORLD
by: Paulette Jiles
"News" was unanimously enjoyed by all present today, January 30. It was thought to be a good story supported by skilled, sometimes poetic writing. No surprise that Jiles also writes poetry. She lives in a rural area in Texas, rides horses, has written several books, and is 73 years old. She researches her books thoroughly and was inspired by a great-great grandfather who also read newspapers to audiences. And, watching a you-tube of all the objects one can shoot from a shotgun, including gummy bears, was the inspiration for the great "dime gunfight" in the book (thanks for that tidbit, Margie)! I had read a more in depth follow-up of this book; an account of the capture of Britt Johnson's wife and children, and how he managed to rescue them from the Kiowa's. This was based on true events, and was much more graphic in its depiction of what happened to these captives. Saran recommended "Enemy Women" as another good read by Jiles.
Libby, sent her thoughts via e-mail, and liked the book as well. Her only critique was that she thought the jump from Johanna being rescued from her cruel relatives to the day of her marriage, was too abrupt. She wanted more information on how the once wild girl got to this place. The rest of us thought this a great adventure that ended well. Johanna's assimilation mostly occurred during the months she spent with Captain Kidd on their journey south. Tender moments of them practicing English, he teaching her to cook, and reminding her that "(scalping) was not polite"...
The subject matter of this book was a fascinating look at tumultuous times in the country, particularly in northern and central Texas. Reconstruction was underway, the Mexican wars were still igniting dangerous encounters along the Texas/Mexican border, and German settlers were spreading their territory into Indian hunting and grazing lands. Politicians in the east had not a clue about the complex cultural and territorial challenges occurring in the west. Hmmmm, I'll leave it at that.
Stay tuned for the film, starring Tom Hanks!!
