Synopsis
The #1 New York Times Bestseller
Christina Baker Kline’s Orphan Train is an unforgettable story of friendship and second chances that highlights a little-known but historically significant movement in America’s past—and it includes a special PS section for book clubs featuring insights, interviews, and more.
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.
About Christina Baker Kline
See more books from this AuthorKline does a superb job in connecting goth-girl Molly, emotionally damaged by the "toll [of] years of judgment and criticism," to Vivian, who sees her troubled childhood reflected in angry Molly.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A Novel | See more reviews from KirkusKline 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.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A Novel | See more reviews from Publishers WeeklyChristina Baker Kline has taken a period in history called the “Orphan Train” and woven a tapestry of two generations into a moving story of resilience, loneliness and with the backbone to survive and thrive.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelNot until I read Christina Baker Kline's book, however, did I realize just how romanticized this version was. ORPHAN TRAIN is a harrowing but ultimately uplifting story about this historical phenomenon.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelThis superbly composed novel tells two parallel stories of suffering and perseverance, capturing the heart and mind equally and remaining mesmerizing through the intensely heart-wrenching conclusion.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelWhether Kline was consciously or unconsciously trying to imagine what Anne’s life must have been like before she found a good home, she achieved it.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelKline jumps back and forth from the 1920s to 2011 easily and convincingly. I marveled at how minimal the protections for children were in the 1920s and 1930s...This is primarily a young adult novel, although it’s not listed as such.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelJumping between time and place often leads to a choppy book, yet Kline seamlessly merges the Maine coast of 2011, the Lower East Side of 1929 and rural Minnesota of the 1930s and ’40s.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A Noveloverall, it was a good read and i’d recommend it to anyone looking for a lazy sunday type of book. the material can be a little heavy, but isn’t too bad, and with just over 275 pages, you can breeze through it quick enough, as well.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelIt gave me an ‘offer the girl a drink at least before you launch into your saga’ feeling for the nanosecond it took for this transition to become clear. But once into the book and its fascinating story it is a pleasure to read. I recommend it.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelCrack this book open just one page, in fact, and I don’t think you’ll be able to let it go. “Orphan Train” is one of those books that sticks to your heart like glue.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelKline’s Orphan Train and “One Book, One Philadelphia” provides an opportunity for us not just to read a compelling story but also a forum to discuss a sometimes troubled past, often worrisome present, and, as yet, uncharted future...
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelBeautifully written, Orphan Train is a heartfelt and moving tale about finding friendship and solace in the unlikeliest of places. A gem of a book.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelThe story is powerful and Orphan Train is a rewarding read, both historically and emotionally. Christina Baker, in remarkable fashion, creates a protagonist who vividly portrays this little known chapter in American history.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelIf you enjoy reading historical fiction that is based on actual facts, this is a book that I think you will truly enjoy. It is an excellent read that should be shared with others...
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelHeartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time, Orphan Train is the story of a lonesome way of life, not just for Molly and Vivian, but for thousands of other children who have endured (and continue to endure) similar hardships.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelKline beautifully recreates the atmosphere of 1920s America, immigrants streaming into New York in hope of better lives, a promise of opportunity unheard of elsewhere.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelTruly, I thought ORPHAN TRAIN was an excellent book with very memorable characters; and it certainly showed that friendship can be found in the most unlikely places. Highly recommended!
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelBecause of the grace with which it educates and yet forces a reader to debate some its more surprising elements, Orphan Train is a worthy addition to the wealth of fabulous spring releases this year.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelIn the end, the book makes for a very touching and curious tale of trans-generational spiritual bonding, driven by a “half-mystery”, hinged on the many fates which befell the children from the orphan train ages upon ages ago.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelFor a heartwarming novel filled with fascinating history, both devastating as well as elating life experiences, and a healthy dose of wisdom, I recommend Orphan Trainas an absolute must-read.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelIt was an interesting story about an interesting bit of American history, and it raised a lot of topics for discussion in a book club, but I don’t think it’s going to leave much of a lasting impact on me.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelKline makes the orphan train experience come alive through Vivian, and her joint portrayal of Molly's life in foster care is a sobering reality of how close we still are to that dark history.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A Novel...when these two unlikely characters meet, Kline does a good job of weaving between the two stories and figures out how to make them come together in a satisfying way. My only quibble, is that the ending was a tad rushed and perhaps, too convenient.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelOrphan Train will grip you from the time you begin the journey on the orphan train with Vivian through the troubled and happy times that follow in her life.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelOrphan Train sheds light on a forgotten time in American history. The book is inspiring and heartbreaking all at the same time. Kline turned a story that could be depressing into one that is ultimately uplifting and shows the resiliency of the human spirit.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelAlthough the ending and its revelations are not terribly surprising, they are, in this day of information only moments away at your fingertips, completely realistic and perfect to wrap up the story of these two lonely people searching for connection and care in their lives.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelThe book was not without its flaws...There's at least one huge coincidence that left me rolling my eyes. Events occurred that I just knew were setting up a future conflict that never happened. The ending was a little too tidy and it was definitely abrupt.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelThe history in this book was amazing. A subject I knew little about, Orphan Trains, were brought to life with wonderful detail and emotion. I highly enjoyed Vivian’s story and her history on the Orphan Train, yet was not nearly as invested in Molly’s life in present day.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelMolly was more of a vessel to get to Vivian’s story rather than an equal protagonist as the book jacket suggests. Good writing and interesting historical fiction makes this a short, easy and interesting read.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelChristina Baker Kline did a wonderful job of bringing her characters to life for me, as well as making me feel and care for them. I liked the way the author connected all the pieces of the story together.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A Novel...I tend to stay away from long books, but this is one of those times when I think it could have used another hundred pages. The history and the material is rich, and I was left wanting more.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelWhat I most loved about Orphan Train was Vivian's story. The book could have been poorly written, and the background clumsy, but Vivian's story carried the book.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelThrough her interesting and well constructed story, she has enlightened us about an important piece of history as well as providing insight into human relationships.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelI read this book for a book club discussion and some readers felt the plot was a bit predictable. Although there were no “aha” moments, I found the narrative engaging and its predictability did not detract from my enjoyment of the novel.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelLikable characters, a fascinating storyline with nicely-drawn parallels, a fascinating peek into a part of American History I knew nothing about and a satisfying ending made Orphan Train a book I set down with a (mildly soggy) smile on my face.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelAs cliched as it sounds, what a joy it was to share Vivian's heartbreaking, courageous and inspirational journey and Molly & Vivian's unique connection. Narrated beautifully with such authenticity I felt like a participant in their rare friendship rather than an observer.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelI really thought this was gonna stink it up. I just didn't think it was for me. Especially since it's the eleventy-fifth book we've read that features dual narrators. Whenever I think I'm not gonna like an unfamiliar-to-me book, I love it!
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelThis is one of the most powerful novels I’ve ever read! THE ORPHAN TRAIN by Christina Baker Kline, is, quite simply, magnificent.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelI would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves contemporary or historical pieces, or to any reader who wants to feel their hearts break, heal and soar again. I will treasure this book on my shelf along with my other favorites.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelMoving between contemporary Maine and Depression-era Minnesota, Orphan Train is a powerful tale of upheaval and resilience, second chances, and unexpected friendship.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelKline creates in Niamh a strong heroine – one who doesn’t pity herself despite her awful childhood, yet who is still accessible to the reader and totally sympathetic.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelAnother solid 4-star read for me! I miss Vivian terribly and wish I could be the one sitting in her attic listening to her fascinating story.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelEvery once in a while a book comes along that just invades your soul. For me, Orphan Train was one of those books and it is one that I will be recommending to just about everyone I know.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelI would highly, highly recommend this novel to any historical fiction buff or someone just looking for a well written, immensly readable novel.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelI would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, women's fiction, and fiction in general - this is one book you won't want to miss!
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelSolemnity and heartbreak intersperse the pages of this novel, yet Kline also infuses Orphan Train with inspiration and hope.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelOrphan Train is engrossing and engaging, blending little-known history into a novel with contemporary resonance.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelI know there is a lot of talk going on about this book, and it is well-deserved. I’m so glad I was able to get a review copy, but I assure you, I would have gladly paid for a copy. In fact, it not only goes on my “recommendation” list but on my “books to give as a gift” list.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelIt is a part of our history that shouldn't be forgotten. I highly recommend you place ORPHAN TRAIN at the top of your reading list.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelIf you read The Chaperone, Orphan Train is a must-read for you. Anyone who like stories about strong women and historical fiction, will enjoy Orphan Train.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelIf you like historical fiction that is a heart tugging narrative as well as a look back in time, you'll want to curl up with Orphan Train...
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A Novel...it wasn’t as bleak as I’d anticipated it to be. As a matter of fact, I found it to be an interesting marriage of the past and the present. It struck me as a perfect example of the old adage that people come into your lives just as you need them most.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelNot only are the characters compelling, but the history of these orphan trains is fascinating...I cannot recommend this book enough...
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelSome reviews I’ve read said that Vivian’s viewpoint sounded too “old” for having come from a child. But, I didn’t read it like that — I read it as Vivian recounting her childhood...Overall, this is a great book. I’d definitely recommend it.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelI think high school students should read this, as well as anyone in the foster care system. Book clubs would also find this a great discussion novel.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelIf you haven’t read this one yet I hope you will soon, and I hope you love it as much as I do. Oh, and if you’re a crier, make sure you have some tissues handy.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelI agreed to read and review this book for TLC Book Tours, and wow, what a book...This book really packs a punch, and by the end, I was crying big, sloppy tears. Wonderful story.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelThis truly was a wonderful story bringing to life to me a period of history that was new to me. With themes of family, secrets, and friendship, I'm sure you will enjoy this book as much as I did. I highly recommend this book for both personal leisure or as a book club discussion.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelThis book is well worth reading for the period of American history it details. Kline has written an absorbing account of one little girl's remarkable life.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelAlthough somewhat predictable at points, the story itself was interesting. I would've liked to see the conclusion to Vivian'a story a bit more fleshed out but, overall, I was happy with her ending.
Read Full Review of Orphan Train: A NovelEvery once in a while a book comes along that you say to yourself when finished reading, what a story...You will admire Vivian's tenacity at such a young age and appreciate the human spirit.
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