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)

A fascinating story, outstandingly performed

This historical novel gives depth and dimension to a fascinating piece of American history. I knew a little about the orphan trains that carried NY's "unwanted" to the midwest but what became of them forms the basis of this compelling novel. The readers are true actors, making the characters fully dimensional from an Irish 9-year-old to a 91-year-old woman in Maine.

Worth it

The narrator does an excellent job at this wonderful book. Such a captivating storyline.
Enjoyed it very much.

Captivating and Intense

I loved the narration. It was captivating and the various accents and intonations made it clear which character was speaking. I did find the story sad and intense, but authentic. Life is not a fairytale after all.

My mother was adopted and fostered a few children during my childhood so I did find a personal connection to the story.

Love!

Made me laugh, cry, empathize, and shrill with the novel. It was very sad at times but it makes you want more. I was very sad when the book was over. The narrator was absolutely amazing. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Compelling Story!

If you could sum up Orphan Train in three words, what would they be?

Sacrifice, embrace, love.

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

The ending! I won't reveal but have some tissues handy.

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

Everything! Very good narration.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Oh yes!

Heartwarming!

Such a fantastic and heartwarming story to arise from such difficult circumstances! I couldn't put it down.

amazing

I it didn't want it to stop. I never knew anything about the orphan train and find it fascinating, kids being shipped to the unknown.

Excellent read

I can't believe I've waited almost a year, since this book was first recommended to me, to read it. Not only
Is it a rich, full, story, but I like novels with historical backing, a glimpse into a part of life you don't normally read about. (Midwest, early-mid-century)

My new favorite book

By far, one of the best story lines and performances I've ever read/heard. I never even knew orphan trains existed before I read this book. I cannot recommend this book enough. Incredible read!

A wonderfully told story.

This story is extremely well written. I have read several. Stories about the orphan train. This story demonstrates excellent research and is told with strings of truth.