Simon Boudlin is an orphan from Kentucky who is forced to join the Confederate army just before their surrender.  After the war, the fiddler and three other men form a band.  They travel throughout Texas, playing in hotels, saloons at celebrations and any other venue they can find.  While traveling, Simon meets a gang of colorful characters and falls in love.

I almost gave up on Simon the Fiddler.  The writing is great, but Simon’s journey through a bleak, brown, hot Texas grew tedious for him as well as for me.  However, about 2/3’s through the novel becomes exciting.  If you were a fan of News of the World,  Jiles’ latest work is worth your time, and a bonus – Captain Kidd makes a very brief appearance in Simon the Fiddler.