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Orphan Train

By: Christina Baker Kline
Narrated by: Jessica Almasy, Suzanne Toren
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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)

What listeners say about Orphan Train

Average customer ratings
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An awakening to a story I had never imagined...

A book hard to put down; a miracle of life that I had never been aware.

Well told, and sensational characters to fill the story with depth and reality untold.

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Fascinating

Would you consider the audio edition of Orphan Train to be better than the print version?

Don't know

Who was your favorite character and why?

The characters of Molly and Vivienne were like versions of each other from different eras, shaped by the cultural norms of their own times. They were my favorites.

Which character – as performed by Jessica Almasy and Suzanne Toren – was your favorite?

Not sure who performed which

Who was the most memorable character of Orphan Train and why?

See above

Any additional comments?

Really well written and well performed - apparently based on historical events.

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SO GOOD!

One of the best books I have ever read/listened to and the narrator does a fantastic job of bringing each character to life.

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great book

I loved the parallel in the main characters lives. you should read this good book.

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Definitely worth the listen!

Great story! Wonderful narration! A heart-wrenching glimpse into an era that seems incredible to modern eyes, while paralleling the heart-breaking reality of "orphans" in today's foster care system. Ultimately, Vivian and Molly transcend their painful situations with a heartening perspective on the twists of Fate.

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Absolutely Wonderful Writing

This was a downright beautiful book, excellently narrated. I have to say I loved it. Well done and kudos to the author.

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engrossing

I loved the detail. for me, a compelling story, beautifully told with vivid descriptions.

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Stunning

Beautifully written and beautifully narrated. Perhaps a predictable story line but told so well I didn't want to stop listening.

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could not put it down..

Christina Baker Kline wrutes a beautiful historical fiction story with vivid characters. fenomenal work by narrators.

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Entertaining, interesting, and thoughtful

I really enjoyed this book. Vivian's story was fascinating and believable; I wanted to know so much more about her life. The relationship between Molly and Vivian was also a highlight. Some plot points/parallels were too neat and I found that Molly's foster parents and her relationship with them felt false a lot of the time, but those are minor quibbles in an otherwise captivating story.

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