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Orphan Train  By  cover art

Orphan Train

By: Christina Baker Kline
Narrated by: Jessica Almasy, Suzanne Toren
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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)

What listeners say about Orphan Train

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    17,570
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Story
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  • 3 Stars
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  • Overall
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Must must must read !!

This is a beautiful story about two women. Generations between them but their hurt and heart break bring them together in a beautiful story of hope, forgiveness and love. Tears will fall but your will love them.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful!

I loved every minute of this tale! It is truthful and honest, but hopeful. The narrator did an excellent job!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

great story, beautifully read!

I really enjoyed listening to this inspiring story based on the true story of the orphan trains.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Best audiobook

Honestly I’ve never listened to an audiobook with such a professional performance as this, astonishing!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A woven tale

Loved the story -- a woven tale of orphans from 2011 and the 1920s. Touches enough of history to make you feel informed, but not too much to feel strictly historical. The characters are endearing - bold, smart, and empowered women with the wherewithal to navigate the social conundrums of foster parents. Real kicker at the end. Oh, I did not care for the narrator though. Was a little nasal-y. But, the story was captivating enough.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Beautiful Story

Everyone has something to offer someone else, even if they think they don't. Getting in trouble agirl finds herself assisting an elderly woman clean out her house. The history of the orphan trains is brought to life in this story. I loved learning about all she went through, and loved that they became friends.

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  • TT
  • 07-21-18

Couldn't put this one down. WONDERFUL

I really enjoyed this story. Very well written and narrated. The fact this it was based on America history pulled me in even more. Great Book!!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it

Could not stop. Listened for 8 hours straight. You will it be disappointed l. I must find more from this author

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Historical and Heartwarming Story

I re listened and enjoyed the details and story line. In the end I teared and smiled.

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Amazing Story

I loved how the author went back and forth between the characters’ stories. Also found this part of American history interesting, yet disappointing too.

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