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Orphan Train  By  cover art

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
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    17,569
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    7,221
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    1,940
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Story
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
    144

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Reflect on the past forming the future.

Told in the popular reverse then present format, follow the lives of Irish orphans as they journey to America and the brutal tole it takes on them and their families as they risk everything to find a better life.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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beautifully written

A heartwarming story. Yet telling the history well. Highly recommend this book. One learns a lot

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    5 out of 5 stars
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book hangover

this book has been on my list to read for several months. I wish I hadn't waited so long. I am going to have trouble choosing my next book. I'm afraid it won't be as good as this one.

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Heart warming

When a book makes me want to learn more, then I consider it s wonder.
I loved it so much

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A good story not great but good and worth a listen

Many similar books out there, there is nothing that makes this book stand out from the rest but it was a good listen.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Delightful

This was a wonderfully written novel that kept me fascinated from beginning to end. I have just ordered another The Orphan Train co-authored by the same author. The weaving story of past to present was highlighted with each transition keeping it clear. I wonder if there is a sequel.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent Read

This was a fascinating story. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters, separated in age by so many years. This story inspired me to research the true stories of the orphan trains.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Surprise 5

Rarely do I rate books with 5 stars. I reserve the 5 for classics or books that WOW me and can't stop talking about them for weeks. Orphan Train isn't either but this book is beautifully well balanced and enjoyable. The heart wrenching parts are countered with sweet moments, there's suspense and predictability, past/present, and all nicely weaved together. The narrator also did a very good job overall.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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First audible book

This amazing story was so well written and read it took me away as I listened. I can not wait to listen to another from this author.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Good from beginning to end

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

This is my first audiobook and I was very pleased. I became so caught up in the story that I could not turn it off!

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