Orphan Train

A Novel

By: Christina Baker Kline

Narrated by: Jessica Almasy, Suzanne Toren

Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Orphan Train is a gripping story of friendship and second chances from Christina Baker Kline, author of Bird in Hand and The Way Life Should Be.

Penobscot Indian Molly Ayer is close to "aging out" out of the foster care system. A community-service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping Molly out of juvie and worse....

As she helps Vivian sort through her possessions and memories, Molly learns that she and Vivian aren’t as different as they seem to be. A young Irish immigrant orphaned in New York City, Vivian was put on a train to the Midwest with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck and chance. Molly discovers that she has the power to help Vivian find answers to mysteries that have haunted her for her entire life - answers that will ultimately free them both.

Rich in detail and epic in scope, Orphan Train is a powerful novel of upheaval and resilience, of unexpected friendship, and of the secrets we carry that keep us from finding out who we are.

©2013 Christina Baker Kline (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“The narrator of Orphan Train, Jessica Almasy, does an incredible read. Listening to Almasy’s rendition of this book - so vivid and emotional - was as much fun as getting swept away by an Oscar-winning movie.” (Parents.com)

"Absorbing...a heartfelt page-turner about two women finding a sense of home.... Kline lets us live the characters’ experiences vividly through their skin.... The growth from instinct to conscious understanding to partnership between the two is the foundation for a moving tale." ( Publishers Weekly)

“Kline's vibrant, sophisticated language comes alive with the sparkling talents of narrators Jessica Almasy and Suzanne Toren. Their finely paced, enthusiastic portrayals of the charming main characters quickly capture the listener.” ( AudioFile)

Good story, bad narration

I was curious about this story when I was reviewing the title, since I had never heard of orphan trains. The story itself was very well written and it described all the hardships the main character went through with great detail. I had a hard time with the narration of the story. She doesn’t distinguish voices between characters very well, and her mans voice sounds drunk most of the time,with every man sounding the same. The ending was written well and wrapped up the story. I recommend listening to the story at a slower speed since the author talks extremely fast.

I wish it never ended

A story that had me so intwined I never wanted it to end. The relationships and true friendships were so powerful in this book. Must must read!

Orphan Train

I found this story of a little girl who finds her way through the years when orphaned children had few rights to be tender, engaging, and heart rending. I found the historical Orphan Trains of the Great Depression a perfect backdrop for this exceptional tale.

Enjoyable..

I enjoyed this book. It was a book that keeps you attention and has great twists. Although it was a tearjerker at times the end makes it all worth the tears.

Lovely story with a happy ending.

I have listened to over 100 audiobooks in the last 10 years, all of them in my car while commuting to school for massage therapy and then to work at a spa an hour from home. But now unemployed during the COVID-19 crisis, I asked my wife to listen with me and I picked this book based purely on the title and description and we both enjoyed it immensely. Good story based on a real event and great narration make for easy listening and relief from the pandemic.

Excellent reading!

This was a heartwarming story of a young girl who through no fault of her own was thrown into a system of poverty brutality and longing for someone to care for her. The resilience and hope that she had, and determination to survive was so amazing..The story brought me to tears at points. The narration was excellent. Changing the tone of voice made it very clear as to which character was talking. Very well done and I highly recommend this book.

Fantastic...

Loved this book. I found myself wanting more of the story when it ended.

Great story.

Loved listening to this story and hearing all the different voices. The story kept me wanting to hear more!

Amazing

I had to read this book for summer work and I can proudly say for the first time that I found a book that I loved. And coming from me who hates books, it really says something.

Great book!

I loved this story. Vivian and Molly's intertwining stories were a good match. I love the idea that lives can reach their best moments not just despite hardship but because of it.
Also, the narrator was excellent.