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)

So well done

It’s been a long time that a book as made me cry. This one did in so many ways. Happy and sad. The performance was outstanding. Going to listen again someday.

Loved this book!

Loved this book. If jumps around from past to present, which helps me stay Interested. Heart Warming Story!!!

Horrible ending

I really enjoyed this book until the end. It ends so abruptly, almost like the author could only use a certain number of words and had to stop.

Phenomenal story

A wonderful story about the Orphan Train and the struggle of the US and its people during that time

Wonderful Historical Drama!!

Loved this book!! Reminds us of how important it is to look after parentless children, who are left alone to survive in a cruel world. But then, with epic fate, these same, sad, mistreated and abused children fall into the care of a few truly sweet souls, proving that karma is a real and honest element for all of humanity.

Wonderful Story!

What a wonderful story. Great reader too. Loved how the two main characters, even though many years apart in age, had similar stories and learned from each other.

Lovely story of persistence through trial!

Lovely story of how the trials of both a past and present orphan parallel and triumph in happiness!

Heartbreaking but Couldn't Stop Listening

This book was really good. It has some really hard heart breaking moments made sadder by the fact that Orphan Trains were a real event in history. The characters are well developed, the narrator very good, and the author thorough. Highly recommend.

Orphan Train speaks to so many of us.

My tragic life didn’t begin in the Great Depression,, but it’s the same story. Molly felt convenient and contrived, but every voice of Vivian was brutally sincere.

Good Ending to a Bad Idea

As a retired professional in Child Welfare, I realize only too well how rare would be a happy ending to the life of a child placed, practically at random with a family who is looking for a “good worker.”
We spend our lived working, and praying, for a traumatized child to find a “normal” life. So having two at once is a treat! Thanks to Ms. Kline for providing that.
Children, thank heaven, are resilient, for as a nation we don’t care enough about their suffering to provide the high quality service that Molly and Vivian needed, or to prevent the trauma kids still face in foster care today.
We prefer spending our money on bombers and border walls.