There are countless ways that readers select their next book. I check out almost any internet source that has “book” in its URL, picking up tidbits of facts about undiscovered books published years ago or soon-to-be-released titles that seem to have potential. During one of these online explorations, I was introduced to NEWS OF THE WORLD, a finalist for the 2016 National Book Award, which so impressed actor Tom Hanks that he agreed to star in the film scheduled for release this Christmas. Seeing it described as being similar to LONESOME DOVE, one of my all-time favorites, led me to the novel, which was written by adopted Texas author Paulette Jiles. I was not disappointed.

Jiles’ latest effort, SIMON THE FIDDLER, is not a sequel to NEWS OF THE WORLD, although the main character in that novel, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, makes a cameo appearance here. Simon Boudlin treks across post-Civil War Texas with his Markneukirche fiddle and dreams of becoming a landowner and husband. Like many of his fellow Texans, he migrated to the state, coming from Kentucky, where he was raised by his great-uncle.

"As a journey novel, SIMON THE FIDDLER has the expected elements --- adventures, travails and tragedy --- and Jiles describes them all in a spare but powerful narrative."

Spending most of the Civil War avoiding conscription into the Confederate Army, Simon’s luck runs out in its waning days, and he finds himself stationed in Texas. Although the hostilities have ended, the fighting continues. In a final post-war battle, Simon temporarily loses his fiddle but recovers it in time to be assigned to musical service. As he and his fellow musicians play for a celebration, he encounters an indentured Irish woman working in a military home. He is enchanted by Doris Mary Dillon and begins a long-distance correspondence and courtship with her as he journeys across Texas with his band members.

Jiles vividly describes Texas of the Reconstruction era as Simon and his “scratch band” perform in dance halls, saloons, private celebrations and any venue where payment awaits. Consisting of Patrick O’Hehir, Doroteo Navarro and Damon Lessing, this mixed group plays several unique instruments. Jiles, a member of her own similarly constructed band, provides readers with so much colorful musical detail that the book should almost be accompanied by a CD of the music featured here. As Jiles notes during one of the band’s performances, “there is not a human being on Earth who does not have a favorite song, lacking only somebody to play it.” 

As a journey novel, SIMON THE FIDDLER has the expected elements --- adventures, travails and tragedy --- and Jiles describes them all in a spare but powerful narrative. Simon is driven by two goals: to purchase Texas land and to capture Doris’ hand. Towards the conclusion, they perform together, listening to each other through the notes and allowing themselves to be absorbed with each other.

It is not a spoiler to reveal that Simon and Doris become husband and wife. And the end of the book is only the beginning. It is abundantly clear that we have not heard the last of these two. Their future life in Texas seems to hold many more adventures, and hopefully Jiles will write about them very soon.