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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

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  • Overall
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Hard to put down

What did you like most about Orphan Train?

I liked the pace of the book. I was always keen to keep reading to find out what was going to happen to these characters that you come to really care about.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Vivian was my favourite character because she showed enormous strength of character. She never forgot her past but didn't let it swallow her. She was very pragmatic and was determined to make the most of her future.

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

Molly and Vivian's characters were both performed extremely well. My favourite would, again, be Vivian because there was more depth to her story.

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

Some of the events in this book are shocking and frightening and I wished I could step into the story and intervene. It is not, by any means, a miserable book though. It is really rather enlightening.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
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outstanding

beautifully and gently written, while still addressing the tough topics of abandonment and not quite fitting in

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

The orphan train came to life ..

I cannot speak highly enough of this audible book. The characters given so much life, heart and soul . I listen to a number of audible novels and this one is the best so far. The accents the depth of meaning in the story telling is exceptional ! Jessica and Suzanne are a talented team and I thoroughly enjoyed this book !

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

Not what I expected

I really did want to love this book. I had read some fantastic reviews and I thought that the theme was right up my alley but the ending felt a bit rushed and left me feeling like a lot of loose ends were not tied up. While the story of Vivian was somewhat wrapped up in the end, I wanted to know more about what happens to Molly.

The start of the story does really grab you and it had fantastic potential to be one of my favourites but about 3/4's of the way through everything happened really quickly without much story or explanation. I won't go into any details for fear of spoiling the book for everyone however the end result was a lot a disappointment for me.

Perhaps I just came into this book with too much expectation. And I was amazed at the story of the orphan trains which enlightened me to some history that I knew nothing about but I feel that there are other books that have done this with better. 'Before we were yours' comes to mind.

Anyway, in short, while I enjoyed this book, I didn't love it

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Definitely a 5 star book

Beautifully written and beautifully read. A delight to read from start to finish. Touches something that I daresay is deep within all of us. A real masterpiece.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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wonderful!

the narrator's performance brings the story to life. an interesting and engaging presentation of the history of the orphan trains.

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

brilliant, did not want it to end. I needed more.

I loved it, heartbreaking, beautiful. Triumph over tragedy. I needed at least 3 more chapters. I couldn't stop listening.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it

Lovely intertwined stories spanning time and place
Significant historical backdrop
Motivated me to research a few things I didn't know and I'm now the richer for it

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Captivating

Amazing story that takes you on a wonderful journey. Felt like I was there, in the book. Enjoyed every minute and found it hard to put down. Loved the expression and accents, thank you !

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

great book

great experience listening to this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it! this is a fast read /listen and you'll be captured in the story.

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