Soon to be a Major Motion Picture
National Book Award Finalist—Fiction
In the aftermath of the Civil War, an aging itinerant news reader agrees to transport a young captive of the Kiowa back to her people in this exquisitely rendered, morally complex, multilayered novel of historical fiction from the author of Enemy Women that explores the boundaries of family, responsibility, honor, and trust.… the boundaries of family, responsibility, honor, and trust.
In the wake of the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd travels through northern Texas, giving live readings from newspapers to paying audiences hungry for news of the world. An elderly widower who has lived through three wars and fought in two of them, the captain enjoys his rootless, solitary existence.
In Wichita Falls, he is offered a $50 gold piece to deliver a young orphan to her relatives in San Antonio. Four years earlier, a band of Kiowa raiders killed Johanna’s parents and sister; sparing the little girl, they raised her as one of their own. Recently rescued by the U.S. army, the ten-year-old has once again been torn away from the only home she knows.
Their 400-mile journey south through unsettled territory and unforgiving terrain proves difficult and at times dangerous. Johanna has forgotten the English language, tries to escape at every opportunity, throws away her shoes, and refuses to act “civilized.” Yet as the miles pass, the two lonely survivors tentatively begin to trust each other, forming a bond that marks the difference between life and death in this treacherous land.
Arriving in San Antonio, the reunion is neither happy nor welcome. The captain must hand Johanna over to an aunt and uncle she does not remember—strangers who regard her as an unwanted burden. A respectable man, Captain Kidd is faced with a terrible choice: abandon the girl to her fate or become—in the eyes of the law—a kidnapper himself.
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Thoroughly enjoyed this original and heart warming novel!
I loved this book and it’s characters. I have recommended it to several people and introduced it to my book club.
One of my favorite books. I encourage everyone to read.
Ideally enjoyed this tender-hearted story.
Good historical account, characters authentic.
I recommend this book to EVERYBODY! Really interesting. A little different from what I usually read.
This is one of those books that stays with you. I finished it weeks ago, but I still think about it. Emotional, tough decisions…A good ending, but not the sugar-coated ending some might want.
My book group loved this book. We loved the characters and the narrative. Are looking forward to the movie if it ever comes out.
A unique storyline. Listened to it on Audible and it has a great narrator.
Beautifully written engrossing tale of post Civil War Texas frontier life
So original. It creeps into your heart. Was highly recommended by someone otherwise I wouldn’t have picked it up but so worthwhile. Simple in style but lasting in memory
I really enjoy his writing style.
A Unique story revealed by a master writer.
I absolutely loved this book! It’s one I won’t forget. It’s quite short, but tells its story quite well with no need for more length. I felt so many emotions reading this book: suspense, sadness, humor and was interested throughout.
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Great insight into white children being captured by American Indians
A deep provocative book about the difficulties of living.
An incredibly wonderful journey with Captain Kidd after the Civl War. This is a gem of a little historical piece and I didn’t want the book to end. Well-researched and written!
I read this book several years ago and it remains one of my favorites. Post-Civil War Texas comes to life as an itinerant reader of the “news of the world” travels from city to city reading national newspapers to folks who have no other contact with the world outside of Texas. Along the way, a young girl kidnapped and raised by the Kiowa is freed and thrust upon him. For a fifty-dollar gold piece, he is persuaded to deliver her to her German immigrant family near San Antonio. Many adventures ensue, and the reader will remember the action-packed saga of Captain Kidd and Johanna for a long time.
One of my all-time favorites.
Love the crusty, resourceful Grampa, Kontah. Seems like an accurate historical novel.