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)

first book of this type

i apsolutely loved this story, it was well written and well read, i could keep up with the back and forth between the different decades easily all the way through, i was sad when it ended i wanted to know what happened next, biut it was a great ending

Great story!

Love the way the story intertwines lives , explores resilience. Wonderful characters, moving back and forth between the 1920-30's to the present seamlessly. Beautifully written.

A great read and a heartfelt story

I enjoyed this story of a 91 year old woman telling her life story, which included orphanhood and a train trip with a group of orphans to be handed out to people in the heartland looking for children. The characters were vivid, and the story was moving without ever being maudlin. My only critique would be the narrator...she talked very fast and I found her voice a bit annoying initially. I got used to it after a couple of chapters, however. I would definitely recommend this audio book.

it's a really good book but I'd only recommend it

I think it need to be a book that's 16 and older that's it .

amazing

This book was absolutely amazing. I could not believe the conditions for these orphans. This story is extremely well written with two different stories of two different orphans in two different time periods. There are 2 narrators and you feel as if you are listening to a play. You must read this book.

I couldn't put it down

I often come across books that make me eager to get back to the car so that I can hear more. I hardly ever come across one that makes me want to wear headphones when doing chores, and buy the Kindle version too, so that I can keep reading when I don't have headphones ready. This is one of those rare books.

Loved the story

Good story. Well written. I enjoyed Learning about the orphan train during the early part of the 1900s. Vivian's story was fascinating.

Loved this book!!!

Such a wonderful story of determination. Loved Molly and Vivian whose lives paralleled
one another decades apart. Especially loved the narrator whose voice became every character to perfection! Have already recommended Orphan Train to numerous readers!

young and old similarities

a great look at how "the more things change the more they stay the same" The idea that any of us have unique experiences - never happened before or no one can understand what I am going through. Finding an understanding ear in the most unlikely places.

Superb Book!

Would you listen to Orphan Train again? Why?

This book is extremely well-written and the performances really bring the book to life. Outstanding!

What does Jessica Almasy and Suzanne Toren bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Absolutely wonderful performances