{"product_id":"simon-the-fiddler-9780062966759","title":"Simon the Fiddler","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe critically acclaimed, bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eNews of the World\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eEnemy Women\u003c\/em\u003e returns to Texas in this atmospheric story, set at the end of the Civil War, about an itinerant fiddle player, a ragtag band of musicians with whom he travels trying to make a living, and the charming young Irish lass who steals his heart.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWeeks 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAfter 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIncandescent in its beauty, told in Paulette Jiles's trademark spare yet lilting style, \u003cem\u003eSimon the Fiddler\u003c\/em\u003e is a captivating, bittersweet tale of the chances a devoted man will take, and the lengths he will go to fulfill his heart's yearning.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJiles' sparse but lyrical writing is a joy to read. . . . Lose yourself in this entertaining tale.\" \u003c\/strong\u003e-- \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAssociated Press\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Jiles, Paulette\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 04\/06\/2021\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e William Morrow \u0026amp; Company\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780062966759\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 368\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.60lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 8.00h x 5.30w x 1.00d","brand":"Paulette Jiles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39337619390539,"sku":"9780062966759","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0021\/1697\/6715\/products\/img_9a372b72-45ff-4720-8ffe-21a9bd3c4530.jpg?v=1619528240","url":"https:\/\/blackbookstore.com\/products\/simon-the-fiddler-9780062966759","provider":"Black Bookstore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}