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)

interesting to say the least

Loved it once I realized that the story was going from different places and times

Great story

loved the story and narrator. such hardships placed on the orphans. would recommend this book and author.

Gripping and Intense

Beginning slowly, and in what sounds like a child’s voice, I was a bit leery of moving forward. It soon became clear that things were going to happen quickly. The author puts you on that orphan train and in that time when poor children were treated as servants, with those who looked after them having no real care for their welfare. And how those children survived is amazing. It’s a part of our history I didn’t know, and the story was told beautifully. I had a hard time leaving it alone until I was finished.

Loved it!

Was a great story! Really couldn't put it down I highly recommend it. Nice read

A very enjoyable book

Any additional comments?

A good book that leaves you with a smile on your face. Really, really enjoyed this book. And to think I almost didn't get due to complaints in other reviews regarding the narration. I thought it was great!

A good read/listen.

Excellent book, story and performance. I wish I could've given it more stars than five.

I Truly Enjoyed This Book

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

The performance was excellent. I believe the audio version works better for me because I could think about Molly's situation while the action unfolded.

What other book might you compare Orphan Train to and why?

Coming to America, Roger Daniels

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

I could follow the characters well. The overall performance was seamless and well enunciated.

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

Vivian. I am older myself, so I think we would find much to discuss. My family came from Scotland in the 18th century but there were also many trials for them.

The Orphan Train

Wow, what an incredible book! Who knew that this really existed back then, such a good story of retelling a part of history.

Didn't like the narrator

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

I really had a hard time with the narrator. I felt like she was rushing through the story, not breathing between sentences! Maybe it's a Southern thing, but I prefer a slower, more feeling pace. I think I would have liked the book better if I had read it myself.

Loved it!!

Very well written story. Superbly read. I enjoyed every minute! I loved the way the story went back and forth from the young Vivian and the old. I recommend this book very highly.