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)

Very enjoyable look at a bit of history

Many lessons for today. Engaging. Good story telling/ narration. We would listen to it again.

Loved it.

My father was an ophan so reading this book reminds me of his childhood stories.

Wonderful book

I loved listening to this book. It was such a fabulous story. The only thing I didn't like about the reading was the mens'
voices. But, it is probably difficult for a woman to do a man's voice. Otherwise, I would recommend this book to anyone, especially a book club which is why I read (listened) to it.

I was hesitant about this, but loved it.

There were some less than complimentary reviews, but I found this story fascinating. There were two stories interwoven, each quite interesting. One was about an actual orphan train child, now in her golden years. The other was about a troubled young woman who met the older lady through her sentence to perform community service. I liked everything about this book. Don't pass it up just because a few didn't like it so much.

Definately worth a listen!

I first heard of the Orphan Trains on a history podcast. I was fascinated that this could have happened on such a widespread basis. The lack of protocol in locating prospective parents and the many bad experiences reported from the accounts of the adult children from the Orphan Trains amazed me. The 1920's was not so very far in our nation's history.

When I heard about this book, I downloaded it immediately. Christina Baker Kline did a fantastic job! The way she paralleled the experiences of a Vivian, one of the survivors of the Orphan Train, and Molly, a troubled teen currently in the foster care system, was brilliant. Molly heals herself and makes peace with her own troubled circumstances by helping Vivian to tell her story.

I could not stop listening! The narrators were chosen well and really added to the listening experience. You won't regret spending the time on this touching and uplifting novel.

Very enjoyable!

This is an excellent story, well narrated. Interesting characters and character development. Do yourself a favor and read this book!

A gem of a book! Beautiful writing and narration.

Would you consider the audio edition of Orphan Train to be better than the print version?

Narration is exemplar making the characters three dimensional and story consuming.I believe audio edition would be better than print.

What did you like best about this story?

Narration

Which character – as performed by Jessica Almasy and Suzanne Toren – was your favorite?

Vivian

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Great narrator

Great book read by a fantastic narrator.
I really enjoyed the way she changed her voice for each character. It was actually believable and not a character.

Beautiful and Bold

You will love this journey from the very first page, the kind of full spectrum of human emotion and experience you won't be able to put down.

Loved it! Touching. Mustard yellow coat.

Loved it! Touching story. Life is not about the things that we have but, rather, about the stories the things tell and the memories that we keep. Experiences to be shared. Portage. Journeys.