Charles Frazier’s historical novel Cold Mountain came out in 1997, and went on to win the National Book Award. It became an Academy Award-winning film in 2003. Perhaps the same will happen with Paulette Jiles’ latest book, Simon the Fiddler. After all, it follows on the footsteps of News of the World, which will be a film starring Tom Hanks. And, I’ll be very honest here. I reviewed News of the World, https://bit.ly/3epabtp. It was a beautifully written, succinct book. But, like Cold Mountain, which I never finished, I found Simon the Fiddler too long, too descriptive, and I didn’t finish it. Oh, I went to the end to find out what happened, but, even then, I wasn’t disappointed that I didn’t finish it. Perhaps it was the timing. When I agreed to review the book, the world was still open. Now, one man’s journey to reach and marry the woman he loves just feels tedious and long. Timing might be everything. But, if you loved Cold Mountain, I think you’ll like Simon the Fiddler.
Simon the Fiddler undoubtedly deserves a better review than I would give it. I’ve never been fond of overly descriptive novels. And, even the plot reminds me of Cold Mountain. So, instead of my review of a book I couldn’t complete, here’s a link to Ron Charles’ review in The Washington Post. https://wapo.st/2KaqegU
Here’s the summary of Simon the Fiddler as it was sent to me.
About Simon the Fiddler
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow (April 14, 2020)
The critically acclaimed, bestselling author of News of the World and Enemy Women returns to Texas in this atmospheric story, set at the end of the Civil War, about an itinerant fiddle player, a ragtag band of musicians with whom he travels trying to make a living, and the charming young Irish lass who steals his heart.
In March 1865, the long and bitter War between the States is winding down. Till now, twenty-three-year-old Simon Boudlin has evaded military duty thanks to his slight stature, youthful appearance, and utter lack of compunction about bending the truth. But following a barroom brawl in Victoria, Texas, Simon finds himself conscripted, however belatedly, into the Confederate Army. Luckily his talent with a fiddle gets him a comparatively easy position in a regimental band.
Weeks later, on the eve of the Confederate surrender, Simon and his bandmates are called to play for officers and their families from both sides of the conflict. There the quick-thinking, audacious fiddler can’t help but notice the lovely Doris Mary Dillon, an indentured girl from Ireland, who is governess to a Union colonel’s daughter.
After the surrender, Simon and Doris go their separate ways. He will travel around Texas seeking fame and fortune as a musician. She must accompany the colonel’s family to finish her three years of service. But Simon cannot forget the fair Irish maiden, and vows that someday he will find her again.
Incandescent in its beauty, told in Paulette Jiles’s trademark spare yet lilting style, Simon the Fiddler is a captivating, bittersweet tale of the chances a devoted man will take, and the lengths he will go to fulfill his heart’s yearning.
*****
I’m sorry. Read the summary. Read Ron Charles’ review. Think of it as a new take on The Odyssey, which is why I was so excited about Cold Mountain in the first place. I encourage those of you who remember Cold Mountain or want another one of Paulette Jiles’ novels, to give Simon the Fiddler a try.
*****
Paulette Jiles is a novelist, poet, and memoirist. She is the author of Cousins, a memoir, and the novels Enemy Women, Stormy Weather, The Color of Lightning, Lighthouse Island, and News of the World, which was a finalist for the 2016 National Book Award. She lives on a ranch near San Antonio, Texas.
Find out more about Paulette at her
website.
*****
Thanks, Lesa. Not for me either, as was the case with COLD MOUNTAIN. I tried, but as with so many "flavor of the month" books, I find my taste is just different.
You're welcome, Jeff. I agree. Those books are seldom for me.
I remember getting on an airplane for a trip to Maryland to see family. I had COLD MOUNTAIN with me. And so did practically every other person on the plane. The woman in the seat next to me was reading it and during the flight she asked me if I was enjoying the book. Without a pause, I said, "no." And the two of us laughed and laughed. She wasn't enjoying it either. I skimmed through to the end and then said to myself, "Hell, Buddy, you got cheated too."
Love it, Kaye! SPOILER ALERT – Simon doesn't get cheated, but I still wouldn't want to be in his condition at the end of the book. Love your story. I think a lot of people pretended to like Cold Mountain. I never pretended either. As a librarian, when asked about popular books, I'm very good at listing the most popular ones. But, if directly asked my opinion, I'll give it.
I'm excited to read this one myself!! Thank you for being on this tour! Sara @ TLC Book Tours
Sara, A lot of people are going to enjoy it. I hope you do.