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)

Nice story

I enjoyed this story. I was especially interested in learning about the existance of the orphan trains in our not so distant past

Unknown part of America's history brought to light

Christina Baker Kline writes about a time in America that probably very few know about. An orphan train? What is that? Good story to read while you do. Only someone who is an orphan can understand what it's like to be waiting to be picked. I really felt for the characters and the story was well written.

Amazing story!

This tale is absolutely beautifully written! The jumping between times is well done and shows just how similar Vivian and Molly truly are.

Wonderful -12+ yrs

First, I rate every book for its usability on a family trip, it is reasonably family friendly. The story and message are appropriate for any age but there are a few scenes that aren’t kid friendly. I think a parent could fast forward through the end of Vivianne’s experience in the cabin and Molly’s talk with Jack in his car without losing the story. Outside of those two moments it would be fine for 8 and above.
The story itself is hopeful, entertaining and complete. A satisfying read. There are a lot of reviews bashing the narrator- I disagree. I found the voice appropriate for the characters and honestly loved the pace. For those who thought it was too fast, you can slow the voice in settings.

Just wonderful!

I loved everything about this. The story, performance and characters. This one made me cry from happiness.

Historical fiction at its best.

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

The description of the girls experience on the train going from town to town.

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

I listened to this book in its entirety on a car trip. Very entertaining.

A story told in circles of time

I never heard about these children-- it is heartbreaking and uplifting, a story of Hope and endurance and love.

Best I've read/heard in a very long time!

What a wonderfully written and beautifully performed book! The characters are real and makes a person feel emotional for their struggles and cheer their triumphs. I was so sad when it ended, but the ending was as beautiful as the entire story. 10 out of 10 would recommend this book!

Heartfelt story

A wonderful, heartfelt story! Narrated to perfection, kept me captivated! A audio book I’ll definitely recommend!

Powerfully emotive

This book was so emotional to go through. I had no idea about the real Orphan Train and I feel this book captured the tales of those children and their families so well. The happy ending seems contrived for story telling purposes but it was so well received and really helped bring meaning to the hardships some people go through. It's really a story of resilience.

It brings to the fore issues with how we care for those in less fortunate conditions to us, how children without proper guardianship are treated, the foster care system and how not much has changed in the last 100 years.

I love how the story fitted in with historical events. The narrator held a number of different characters holding unique voices and accents however the main narration was quite upbeat and slightly annoying - although it was probably just how a young girl would have probably expressed herself and it didn't make me stop listening.

I highly recommend it.