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)

Heart wrenching search to belong!!

This was a difficult book to listen to at times with its details of cruelty and hearlessness inflicted on Orphan children by foster parents. It is hard to imagine a society that shipped children hundred of miles to unfit homes where they were mistreated and sexually abused. They were treated and dumped like stray cats! Many of these children were looked upon as nothing more than cheap labor.

I applaud the author, Christina Baker Kline for the many historical details she included in this narrative. The narration was superb and I could not stop listening to Molly and Vivian as their journey sparked flames of resilience to endure, empathy and compassion and s desperate hope to find where they belonged. This novel was filled with a lot of emotion and I am not sure I will be listening to any more books on orphans who rode trains to live out a life void of love an hope!

A tear jerker.

What made the experience of listening to Orphan Train the most enjoyable?

The narrator did such an amazing job with the characters. the story line was tragic and uplifting at the same time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Orphan Train?

I wont spoil it but when the main character remembering when she was attacked and when she told her teacher what happened. I just cried and cried it was so tragic.

Which scene was your favorite?

The one above, just because it was just heart wrenching and real.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Bring tissues.

Wonderful heartfelt story really makes you feel the history and have hope for the future at the same time

I loved this story, and can't say enough positive about the storyline....however I will caution you that this book has a significant amount of profanity including numerous words beginning with F. Not for the gentle reader.

Eye Opening!

This was a very well written novel! Dark and powerful and eye opening! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute! Great narration as well!

Orphan Train: A Novel

Where does Orphan Train rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I read alot of reviews before purchasing this audio book.
I didn't want to put it down! I loved the characters. One reviewer said they had a little difficulty keeping track of the time schedule. Kate Morton does alot of jumping back and forth in time. It keeps me very interested!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Orphan Train?

I really loved Vivian, and when she reconnects with her daughter.

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

Molly and Vivian!

If you could rename Orphan Train, what would you call it?

Perfect name

Well done, indeed

Orphan Train is the story of overcomers and a story of redemption. Set in the early part of the 20th century, a group of orphans is taken on a train to the Midwest where they hope to be adopted along the way. What will become of these children? Well, read it to find out. I certainly enjoyed the story, as well as the moral struggle I had with the idea of the orphan trains, which actually took place. Was it "right" to take orphans from cities to less populated areas in order to find them homes, knowing that many of them weren't going to truly enter families, but to be used as cheap/free labor? Was that any better existence than if they had remained in the city? I don't know the answers to those questions, but I certainly appreciate the book causing me to struggle with those thoughts.

Supposed me

I was a reluctant to read this story b/c I thought I knew all about orphans & their plight at the turn of the century. However, the storyline has some interesting twists...

Great story

It took a few chapters to get into this book, but I couldn't put it down. Great story of sorrow, sadness and happiness. Full of history, it was like listening to my grandmother tell stories.

I didn't want it to end!

This story made me laugh and tear up. It was a beautiful well told story about humanity and friendship and longing to belong! worth the credit for sure .

Touching

Great narration! Story really tugged at my heart and was so rewarding! I loved it!