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)

Entertaining, but seemed to stall at points

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

The historical reference and development over the "past" time frame.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The facts/history of the time period were the most interesting. The least interesting was the modern day plot--it felt like a young adult novel during these chapters. Not much plot here, not much character development til the end of the book. Modern day aspect was boring.

What about Jessica Almasy and Suzanne Toren ’s performance did you like?

Accents, age appropriate voices were decent.

If you could take any character from Orphan Train out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Vivian---I would love to hear more about the 90 years of her life, particularly the early decades.

A touching story

It is a well written novel about a time in history that I knew nothing about before reading this story. Kline does a wonderful job of depicting what it was like for orphans back in the 1920's and 30's as well as the present. It is a great read.

wow

when a wonderful story! thought provoking and touching. the narration was beautifully done. great read

Great book Annoying narration!

The narrators pitch is way to high and uplifted at the end of every sentence. Perhaps this is meant to be 'period'. As in Valley Girl, but not a tone I found easy to listen too.

Loved it!!

Charming and heartwarming!! I Simply loved it! I am recommending it to everyone I know!

When one door closes, another opens

This book provides the reader with a delicate balance of heartache and joy. The characters are vividly described as well. The ties between Vivian and those in her life are threaded into the story with deftness that seems almost unintentional.

My own father was orphaned in 1916, just before his 10th birthday and sent by train with his brother to live with family. His life was also formed by closing and opening doors.

enjoy an engaging story <br />

The Orphan Train tells about lives of immigrant children who 've lost everything and everyone. The narration is a bit spotty, but the story worth the trip.

Beautiful story and a fantastic narrator

I enjoyed this performance. The story was well put together and the narrator did well switching her voice slightly between characters so it was easy to understand who was the focal point of the moment. This book was a nice easy read. I am sure I will open it and recommend it again.

Amazing

What did you love best about Orphan Train?

The plot was smooth and easy to indulge in.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Neev

Have you listened to any of Jessica Almasy and Suzanne Toren ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Who was the most memorable character of Orphan Train and why?

Neev because of what she went through

Any additional comments?

I wish this book was longer.

Great Book!

I loved everything about this book. Couldn't wait to keep listening. Kept me interested the whole time.