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)

Wonderful story of common ground between generations

This novel does a great job of encouraging us to look for common ground between generations. By listening to the experience and knowledge of our elderly, there is so much to learn and so much enrichment to be gained. This story showed how two people who appeared to be polar opposites were actually so similar and needed each other to heal the other. I could not help but think that this would be a great read for a teen age girl (even though it got dark at a point or two) as it was predominantly written from one's perspective.

Surprise!

This book surprised me.I wasn't sure if was going to be worth buying. But I love history and I was very pleased to discover a lot of historical facts along with a warm story.loved it!

I love this story!

This is a great book! The story is sad yet interesting. As an adoptive parent I can relate to the storyline. The trials of orphaned children are so compelling.

The narration is great! She does a fantastic job!

I absolutely loved this book!

Good look at history.

An interesting comparison of 2 people, a teenager and an elderly woman, whose lives have similar events. I enjoyed the book.

Shockingly great!

This is not normally my genre of book...but it kept my focus and I enjoyed the plot. I originally purchased it because it was about an Irish immigrant and I am Irish. But I think even if you’re not Irish you will still enjoy the story.

Beautiful

The was a beautiful well written book. It made me laugh and cry. It made me mad and sad... It truly kept my attention...

Love Love Love

This book was wonderful. The narration drew me in and the plot captivated my attention. I tried to sleep with it on like I usually do, but was too drawn in to the story.

great book

life are the best girly book I've ever read.... It's not exactly a girly book, but it is a touchy-feely kind of book, but I has a great story behind it and even though it's not expensable Thriller, it does keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting to never put the book down until you have finished it

Heartfelt storyline

I enjoyed the narration of this book very much. The reflection and tone of each character was amazing. I liked that the chapters years stayed together pretty much and did not skip back and forth a whole lot. This kept the continuity of the story which made the book a page turner. What I didn’t like was the abrupt ending. The ending was a let down and disappointing. An epilogue or an author’s note would have been appreciated. Overall story of the young orphan traveling by train across country was interesting. Following her life to 90 years old was great.

Tender story well written

I really enjoyed the story. It was a new bit of history for me. I think it would be a good book group selection. No big surprises but very tender and nice positive philosophy.