Quick Take

This is an alternate cover edition of ISBN 9780061950728, found here.The author of Bird in Hand and The Way Life Should Be delivers her most ambitious and powerful novel to date: a captivating story of two very different women who build an unexpected friendship: a 91-year-old woman with a hidden past as an orphan-train rider and the teenage girl whose own troubled adolescence leads her to seek answers to questions no one has ever thought to ask.Nearly eighteen, Molly Ayer knows she has one last chance. Just months from "aging out" of the child welfare system, and close to being kicked out of her foster home, a community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping her out of juvie and worse.Vivian Daly has lived a quiet life on the coast of Maine. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past. As she helps Vivian sort through her possessions and memories, Molly discovers 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.The closer Molly grows to Vivian, the more she discovers parallels to her own life. A Penobscot Indian, she, too, is an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past. As her emotional barriers begin to crumble, 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 second chances, of unexpected friendship, and of the secrets we carry that keep us from finding out who we are.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Orphan Train

Introduction

"Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline is a powerful and moving novel that tells the story of two very different women who forge an unexpected friendship. Vivian Daly, a 91-year-old woman with a hidden past as an orphan-train rider, and Molly Ayer, a teenage girl struggling with a troubled adolescence, build a bond as they help each other navigate their pasts. With rich detail and epic scope, "Orphan Train" explores themes of upheaval, resilience, and the power of friendship to heal.

About Christina Baker Kline

Christina Baker Kline, the author of "Orphan Train," is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her compelling and thought-provoking novels. She has published eight books, including "Bird in Hand," "The Way Life Should Be," and "A Piece of the World." Kline's writing has been recognized with numerous awards, including the New England Prize for Fiction, the Maine Literary Award, and a Barnes & Noble Discover Award. Her essays, articles, and reviews have appeared in publications such as the New York Times and the NYT Book Review, the Boston Globe, the San Francisco Chronicle, LitHub, Psychology Today, Poets & Writers, and Salon.

Analysis of Views

Historical accuracy: Readers praised Kline's meticulous research and attention to historical accuracy in portraying the orphan trains and the challenges faced by the children who were transported on them. The book provides a vivid and poignant account of a little-known chapter in American history.
Emotional resonance: Many readers found themselves deeply moved by the emotional depth and authenticity of the characters in "Orphan Train." The bond between Vivian and Molly, as well as their struggles with identity and belonging, resonated with readers on a personal level.
Powerful themes: The book explores powerful themes of resilience, second chances, and the search for identity. Readers appreciated the way Kline weaved these themes throughout the narrative, creating a compelling and thought-provoking story.
Engaging writing style: The writing style in "Orphan Train" was praised for its accessibility and ability to draw readers in. Kline's prose was described as clear, concise, and engaging, making it easy for readers to become immersed in the story.
Historical context: Readers appreciated the way Kline provided historical context for the orphan trains and the social issues they represented. The book offers a nuanced exploration of the challenges faced by children in foster care and the societal attitudes towards them during that time period.

Reasons for Recommendation

Compelling storytelling: "Orphan Train" offers a captivating narrative that draws readers in from the beginning. The combination of historical accuracy and emotional depth makes it a highly recommended read for those who enjoy engaging stories that resonate on a personal level.
Educational value: In addition to being a compelling novel, "Orphan Train" provides readers with valuable insights into a little-known aspect of American history. The book offers a thought-provoking exploration of social issues and provides context for understanding the challenges faced by children in foster care.
Thought-provoking themes: The book explores powerful themes of resilience, identity, and belonging that resonate with readers on a deeper level. The exploration of these themes adds depth and meaning to the story, making it a recommended read for those seeking thought-provoking literature.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Predictability: Some readers felt that the plot of "Orphan Train" was predictable and lacked surprises. The predictability made it difficult for them to fully engage with the story and detracted from their overall enjoyment of the book.
Stereotypical characters: A few readers expressed disappointment with the stereotypical portrayal of certain characters in the book. They felt that certain characters were reduced to one-dimensional caricatures rather than fully developed individuals with complex motivations and backstories.
Lack of depth in certain characters: Some readers felt that certain characters, particularly Molly, lacked depth and were underdeveloped. They wished for more exploration of Molly's character and her struggles with identity and belonging, which would have added depth to the story.

Conclusion

"Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline is a powerful and moving novel that explores themes of resilience, identity, and friendship. With its vivid portrayal of historical events and its engaging storytelling, the book has garnered widespread praise from readers. While some readers found it predictable or lacking in depth in certain areas, overall "Orphan Train" is recommended for those seeking a compelling and thought-provoking read that explores important social issues.