Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is such an impressive novel. Not for a moment does it feel researched. Rather it feels very much of the time (1870). Every character lives and breathes and functions in unexpected yet appropriate ways that are faithful to the people author Jiles has drawn. I loved Captain Kidd and the depth of his heart and his mind; and young Johanna was an incredibly clever and touching child. This tale of these two making their way through perils both natural (swollen rivers) and human (Indians and male predators) on the lengthy trip from Wichita Falls to San Antonio is completely absorbing. This was another of the very rare books from which I couldn't bear to be separated. It went everywhere with me; it was in my hands as soon as I had a few free minutes. There are few historical books I've read that could begin to compare with News of the World. And comparisons being truly odious, I would do a great disservice to the author by naming the one or two that come to mind. So I'll just say that this novel has my highest recommendation. It's a wonderful book, a great accomplishment.