Simon the Fiddler

Simon Boudlin is a young fiddler in Texas at the end of the Civil War. Conscripted into the Confederate army in the final days of the conflict, he survives and emerges determined to make his living as a musician. In post-war Texas, Simon forms a band and performs at gatherings while pursuing his goal of acquiring land and building a home. His path crosses with that of Doris Dillon, an Irish immigrant working as an indentured servant to a Union colonel and his wife. The narrative follows Simon's journey through the Reconstruction era in Texas as he navigates political tensions, economic hardship, and the complexities of pursuing both his musical aspirations and personal desires. His music serves as a constant thread through a landscape marked by rapid change and uncertainty. This novel explores themes of artistic passion, determination, and the search for belonging in a fractured post-war society. The story reveals how art and human connection can persist and flourish even in times of upheaval and scarcity.

Readers note the vivid descriptions of post-Civil War Texas and authentic period details about music and musicians' lives. Many praise Jiles' prose style and historical accuracy, particularly her portrayal of 1860s Houston and Galveston. Fans connect with Simon's determination and the slow-building romance. Several reviews mention the strong supporting characters and believable dialogue. Common criticisms include a slow pace, especially in the middle sections. Some readers found the plot meandering and the ending rushed. A few noted less character development compared to Jiles' other novels, particularly News of the World. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (1,100+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (280+ ratings) "The historical details transport you completely" - Amazon reviewer "Beautiful writing but moves too slowly" - Goodreads reviewer "Not enough emotional depth between characters" - LibraryThing reviewer

News of the World by Paulette Jiles A former soldier escorts a young girl through post-Civil War Texas, navigating danger and building an unexpected bond in a raw frontier landscape.

The North Water by Ian McGuire A ship's surgeon confronts violence and moral corruption during an Arctic whaling expedition in 1859, where isolation and survival strip men to their basic nature.

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier A Confederate deserter journeys home through the devastated South while his love interest learns to survive alone during the final days of the Civil War.

The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt Two assassin brothers traverse the 1850s American frontier on a job that leads them to question their violent profession and relationship.

Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles A young woman navigates imprisonment, escape, and romance during the Civil War in Missouri while searching for her way home through a divided nation.

🎻 Simon the Fiddler is set in Texas during the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, a rarely explored period in historical fiction when Confederate soldiers were still surrendering and Union troops maintained occupation. 🎵 Author Paulette Jiles learned to play the fiddle while researching this novel to better understand her protagonist's relationship with music and his instrument. 🏰 The character of Doris Dillon was inspired by real accounts of Irish immigrant governesses who came to Texas in the late 19th century to work for wealthy families. 🌟 The book serves as a companion novel to Jiles' earlier work "News of the World," featuring a minor character from that story who appears briefly in both books. 🎼 Many of the fiddle tunes mentioned in the book are authentic period pieces that are still played today in traditional folk music circles, including "Bonaparte's Retreat" and "Soldier's Joy."