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)

Supposed me

I was a reluctant to read this story b/c I thought I knew all about orphans & their plight at the turn of the century. However, the storyline has some interesting twists...

Great story

It took a few chapters to get into this book, but I couldn't put it down. Great story of sorrow, sadness and happiness. Full of history, it was like listening to my grandmother tell stories.

I didn't want it to end!

This story made me laugh and tear up. It was a beautiful well told story about humanity and friendship and longing to belong! worth the credit for sure .

Touching

Great narration! Story really tugged at my heart and was so rewarding! I loved it!

Orphan Train

Orphan Train is narrated by Jessica Almasy and Suzanne Toren. The audiobook is about 8.5 hours of listening in unabridged format. Released in April 2013 by Audible Studios.

This is a captivating story encompassing the lives of two orphans. One, a woman in her nineties, the other a rebellious teenaged girl. A good deal of the story involves flashbacks. The older woman reminisces through boxes of memorabilia in her attic, things the younger woman is helping to clean out. The memories include her journey as an orphan … beginning on a train in New York to the midwest, through her youth and marriage.

What I liked. Orphan Train is very educational for anyone unfamiliar with the orphan trains of the 1930s. Illness or tragedy resulted in many immigrant orphans, those children whose parents did not survive the rigors of an Atlantic crossing or New York poverty. The kids, including infants, were transported via train to whistle stops throughout the midwest in hopes of eventual adoption. The abuse and servitude of these kids is appalling.

What I didn’t like. Whatever you do, listen to the audio sample. You’ll hear a cartoon chipmunk. The voice just doesn’t work for me and the saving factor is the story itself. The diction and presentation are fine … but the narration is juvenile and suited to children’s audio … not a good voice for Orphan Train.

No explicit sex, no offensive language. A decent listen with the codicil above.

Amazing and Moving!!

Wow- a must read!! I want to hear more about these characters. So much to connect with in this story. Thank you Christina Baker Kline.

Lisa Simpson?

A bit predictable, but nicely written. Is it just me or does the narrator sound like Lisa Simpson?

Fantastic to listen to!

I laughed, I cried....heart warming!!! I love this book and the reader was great too!!!

Loved this book

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

Must keep reading (listening?)

What did you like best about this story?

Kline made me care about the characters right from the beginning. I've known girls like Molly that need to be tough in order to not be hurt.Vivian's story gives a different, sad take on our country's history. Vivian's life experience helps her reach Molly. Great story with realistic female characters.

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

Vivian/Dorothy/Niamh - Kline really put Vivian through the wringer - but she came out on the other side a wise and patient woman.

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

I both laughed and cried with the story. There are some truly touching moments and others were so real I had to laugh at them. The book is not maudlin, nor apologetic. Their lives are what they are, the story is not neatly (read unrealistically) wrapped up at the end, but the ending is satisfying.

Very interesting

Good book kept my interest. Would definitely recommend it to friends. Love the historical angle yet it kept the present their too