News of the World is one of my favorite books, but I was a little less enthralled by the author’s more recent Simon the Fiddler. Happily, this book brought me back to the many things I loved about News of the World. Jiles is a beautiful writer, and in this book the pace is slow, but never dull.
John Chenneville is a Union soldier who suffers a severe head injury. After a long convalescence, he regains his memory and returns home, only to find the place neglected with only an elderly servant remaining. He then learns horrible news about his sister, and he sets out on a quest to avenge his family and rid the world of her killer. But to do that he needs to give up his home – again – and he’s likely to lose his life or his freedom in the process.
Chenneville is determined and brave; he’s kind, with a strong moral code and a deep longing for companionship. He’s also obsessed. He cleverly tracks down clues and follows the whereabouts of his target step by step. As he does, he learns more about the kind of man he’s pursuing, and this may cost him even more, putting even the friends he makes along the way at risk.
Jiles’ writing is direct, yet she makes her setting so vivid, you feel like you can see, smell, and hear everything she’s describing. She also has a way of making you feel deeply for even her minor characters. Even the ones you only encounter once are memorable.
He walked in a swinging route step to the south, bent on murder. The road stayed to the valleys when it could, and when it came up over a ridge he could see the mountains pouring off southward. The Red River Valley was straight south about a hundred miles, and by that time the earth would have spilled out flat as it came to the shores of that treacherous river.
Paulette Jiles, Chenneville
As the story progresses, we come to know and care about Chenneville. We see him first when he barely knows who he is, and through his travels and his quest he learns more about himself and the things in life that are most important. We also see the destruction and unrest created by the Civil War. Some are struggling to survive, others are taking advantage of the chaos.
For anyone who likes a good journey novel, I highly recommend this. If you haven’t read Jiles before, her writing is slow-paced and very descriptive, so I wouldn’t read it if you’re looking for a thriller. If you loved News of the World, definitely give this one a try.
Note: I received an advanced review copy of this book from NetGalley and publisher William Morrow. This book was released September 12, 2023.
