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sillytothejoe's review against another edition
4.0
I could have gone higher or lower than this. The bits that I loved (the descriptions of how Simon thought about music for instance) I REALLY loved, but the bits I didn’t I REALLY didn’t. It felt like the novel really leaned into some western tropes in places that the superior News of the World subverted them.
hollyg35's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
pumpkinsoup1162's review against another edition
5.0
In a style reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy’s All the Pretty Horses, but perhaps not as dark, Simon the Fiddler is a meandering adventure through Texas at the end of the Civil War. Love the friendships that are built and a long-distance undercover love developed through letters. By hook or by crook Simon and gang survive extreme poverty through creativity and music.
kylafrank14's review against another edition
4.0
3.5. I liked News of the World much more. This was still good.
timetoread_more2022's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
kat2's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A tremendously entertaining account of a musician at the close of the Civil War. Set in Texas, the novel follows Simon (the fiddler) as he seeks food, shelter, clothing, money, and love during a dangerous, lawless time.
suvata's review against another edition
4.0
ModernMrsDarcy.com 2020 Summer Reading Guide
At the end of the Civil War, a ragtag team of musicians travel throughout east Texas playing their music to adoring crowds. The group is led by Simon, a Irish fiddle player. Simon catches the eye of an Irish governess who, after the war, leaves the area. Simon vows to find her again. This is a very touching tale and Paulette Jiles is among my favorite historical fiction writers.
At the end of the Civil War, a ragtag team of musicians travel throughout east Texas playing their music to adoring crowds. The group is led by Simon, a Irish fiddle player. Simon catches the eye of an Irish governess who, after the war, leaves the area. Simon vows to find her again. This is a very touching tale and Paulette Jiles is among my favorite historical fiction writers.