Genre: Historical Fiction
Length: 352 pages
Audiobook Length: 11 hours and 36 minutes
First Published: 2020
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Publisher’s Description
In March 1865, the long and bitter War between the States is winding down. Till now, twenty-three-year-old Simon Boudlin has evaded military duty thanks to his slight stature, youthful appearance, and utter lack of compunction about bending the truth. But following a barroom brawl in Victoria, Texas, Simon finds himself conscripted, however belatedly, into the Confederate Army. Luckily his talent with a fiddle gets him a comparatively easy position in a regimental band.
Weeks later, on the eve of the Confederate surrender, Simon and his bandmates are called to play for officers and their families from both sides of the conflict. There the quick-thinking, audacious fiddler can’t help but notice the lovely Doris Mary Dillon, an indentured girl from Ireland, who is governess to a Union colonel’s daughter.
After the surrender, Simon and Doris go their separate ways. He will travel around Texas seeking fame and fortune as a musician. She must accompany the colonel’s family to finish her three years of service. But Simon cannot forget the fair Irish maiden, and vows that someday he will find her again.
About Paulette Jiles
Paulette Jiles is an American author known for her novels, Enemy Women, Stormy Weather, News of the World, Chenneville, and Simon the Fiddler; her memoir, Cousins; and her poetry. She lives on a ranch in San Antonio,Texas. Visit the author’s website →
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