Book Review:
"Discover the Untold Story of Orphan Train Riders in this Captivating Novel by Christina Baker Kline!"
"Orphan Train is a heart-wrenching and beautifully written novel that explores the lives of two women, one an orphan train rider in the 1920s and the other a troubled teen in present day. Kline's poignant storytelling weaves together their stories with themes of family, identity, and resilience."
What Is the Book About?
Orphan Train is a heart-wrenching story about two women from different generations who are brought together by fate. Molly, a troubled foster child in present-day Maine, meets Vivian, an elderly woman with a secret past. As they get to know each other, Vivian shares her experiences as an orphan train rider during the early 1900s.
The core message of this book is that even though our circumstances may be difficult and we may feel alone, there is always hope and the possibility of finding connection and family in unexpected places. It also sheds light on the often overlooked history of orphan trains in America and the struggles faced by children who were sent away from their families for a chance at a better life.
What Makes This Book Different?
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of two women from different generations who are brought together through their shared experience as orphans. The book stands out in its genre for several reasons.
Firstly, the dual narrative structure of the book sets it apart from other novels in this category. The story alternates between the present day and flashbacks to the early 1900s, following the lives of Vivian, an elderly woman who was sent on an orphan train as a child, and Molly, a troubled teenage girl who is placed in foster care. This unique storytelling technique allows readers to see how past events have shaped both characters' lives and how they find solace in each other's company.
Secondly, Orphan Train sheds light on a little-known aspect of American history - the orphan trains that ran from 1854 to 1929. These trains transported thousands of abandoned children from cities on the East Coast to families in rural areas with hopes of finding them new homes. Through vivid descriptions and heart-wrenching accounts, Kline brings this forgotten piece of history to life and shows how it has affected generations of children.
Lastly, unlike many other books set during this time period, Orphan Train focuses not only on historical events but also on personal relationships and emotional struggles. It delves into themes such as identity, family dynamics, loss, and resilience - making it more than just a typical historical fiction novel. Kline's writing style is poignant yet accessible which makes this book stand out among others in its genre.
In conclusion,the combination of compelling storytelling techniques,detailed exploration into lesser known history,and relatable emotional themes make Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline stand out compared to others in its category.This powerful novel captures readers' hearts while shedding light on important issues,making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
Writing Style & Pacing
The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline is a historical fiction novel that follows the parallel stories of two women, Vivian and Molly. The book is written in a dual narrative style, with each chapter alternating between Vivian's past as an orphan train rider in the early 1900s and Molly's present-day life as a troubled foster child. This structure allows for a deeper exploration of the themes of identity, family, and resilience.
The tone of the book is both poignant and heart-warming. Kline expertly weaves together emotional moments with realistic depictions of life during different time periods. The characters are well-developed and their struggles feel genuine, making it easy for readers to empathize with them. Despite dealing with heavy topics such as loss, abandonment, and prejudice, there are also moments of hope and connection throughout the story.
Overall, The Orphan Train can be considered a fast read due to its engaging plot and short chapters that keep the pace moving along steadily. However, there are also some slower moments where Kline delves into more introspective scenes or explores historical details about orphan trains in America. These sections provide important context but may slow down readers who prefer faster-paced books. Overall though,the combination of heartfelt storytelling and thought-provoking themes make this book an impactful read that will stay with readers long after they finish it.
About the Author
Christina Baker Kline is an American author known for her bestselling novel, Orphan Train. She was born in 1964 and grew up in Maine, where she developed a love for reading and writing from a young age. After earning a BA degree in English literature from Yale University, Kline went on to receive an MFA in creative writing from the University of Virginia. She has written several other novels as well as non-fiction books and essays.
Kline's background and education make her highly credible to write the book Orphan Train. Her BA degree in English literature gives her a strong foundation in storytelling techniques and literary analysis, which are essential skills for crafting a compelling novel. Additionally, her MFA in creative writing demonstrates her dedication to honing her craft and mastering the art of storytelling.
Furthermore, Kline's personal connection to the story of orphan trains adds depth and authenticity to the book. Growing up in Maine, she heard stories about these real-life events that took place during the late 1800s through early 1900s when thousands of orphaned children were sent west on trains to find new families. This inspired Kline to research further into this little-known part of American history and bring it to life through fiction. Her personal interest and passion for this topic shine through in Orphan Train, making it all the more impactful for readers.
In conclusion, Christina Baker Kline's educational background combined with her personal connection makes her highly credible as an author of Orphan Train. Her expertise as a writer coupled with her deep understanding of this historical event ensures that readers will be taken on an emotional journey while also learning about an important piece of American history.
Historical or Topical Context
The Orphan Train is a historical novel that takes place in two distinct time periods and settings. The majority of the story is set in the late 1920s to early 1930s, during the height of the orphan train movement in America. During this time, thousands of children from New York City were sent on trains to be adopted by families in rural areas of the Midwest and West. This practice was meant to provide these children with better lives, but often resulted in them being used as cheap labor or facing abuse and neglect.
The other setting of the novel is present-day Maine, where we meet Molly Ayer, a troubled teenager who has bounced around various foster homes and juvenile detention centers. She is doing community service as penance for stealing a book from her library when she meets Vivian Daly, an elderly woman who also went through the orphan train system as a child. Through their interactions and shared experiences, we learn about both women's pasts and how they are connected despite living decades apart. This dual setting allows readers to explore not only the history of the orphan train movement but also its lasting impact on those who experienced it firsthand.
Most Powerful or Memorable Moments
1. The opening scene where Molly, a teenage orphan, is caught stealing a library book and is sentenced to community service with an elderly woman named Vivian. This sets the stage for their unlikely friendship and the parallel stories of two generations.
2. Chapter 8 where Vivian recounts her experience as an orphan train rider, detailing the brutal conditions she faced and how it shaped her into a resilient survivor.
3. The insight that while Molly may have grown up in modern times, she still faces similar struggles as Vivian did as an orphan - feeling unwanted and constantly moving from home to home.
4. In chapter 22, when Molly discovers that her friend Jack's family was actually descended from one of the families who took in orphans during the orphan train era. This realization helps Molly understand more about herself and her own identity as an adopted child.
5. The final scene where both Molly and Vivian attend a reunion for orphan train riders and meet other survivors who share their experiences. It highlights the importance of acknowledging history and finding connection through shared experiences.
Lessons or Takeaways
Readers of Orphan Train can learn about the often-overlooked history of orphan trains in America and how they impacted the lives of thousands of children. Through the story of main character Molly, readers can gain insight into the harsh realities faced by orphans during this time period and reflect on how these experiences shape a person's identity. The book also sheds light on issues such as poverty, loss, and resilience, allowing readers to empathize with characters who have faced adversity.
Furthermore, after reading Orphan Train, readers may feel a sense of appreciation for their own family and community connections. The novel highlights the importance of human connection and belonging in shaping one's sense of self-worth and purpose in life. It also raises questions about what it means to be a family and challenges traditional notions surrounding adoption. Ultimately, this book invites readers to reflect on themes such as identity, belonging, and social justice while providing an emotional journey through two intertwined stories that will leave a lasting impact.
Reader Reactions and Critical Acclaim
is a moving and thought-provoking novel that has captivated readers with its emotional storyline and well-developed characters. The book follows the parallel stories of two women, Vivian and Molly, who are connected by their experiences as orphans on the Orphan Train in the early 20th century. Through their intertwined narratives, Kline explores themes of identity, family, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Overall, reader reviews for Orphan Train have been overwhelmingly positive. Many reviewers praise Kline's writing style and ability to weave together two compelling storylines. Readers also appreciate how the book sheds light on a lesser-known piece of history - the mass relocation of orphaned children in America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, Orphan Train has received several awards including being named a New York Times Bestseller and winning both an AudioFile Earphones Award for its audiobook version and a Goodreads Choice Award for Historical Fiction. These accolades further solidify Orphan Train as a must-read for fans of historical fiction or anyone looking for a powerful story about love, loss, and resilience.
Who Is This Book For?
1. History enthusiasts: The Orphan Train book takes place in the late 1920s to early 1930s and delves into the historical events of the orphan train movement, making it an ideal read for those interested in this time period.
2. Fans of emotional journeys: This book follows the story of two women from different generations who have experienced loss and hardship, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy emotionally charged stories.
3. Book club members: With its thought-provoking themes and discussion-worthy topics, The Orphan Train is perfect for book club discussions. It also includes a reader's guide at the end of the book to facilitate group conversations.
4. Fiction lovers: This novel weaves together elements of both historical fiction and contemporary fiction, appealing to readers who enjoy a blend of genres in their reading choices.
5. Those interested in family dynamics: The relationship between Molly (a modern-day foster child) and Vivian (an elderly woman with a past on the orphan train) explores themes of family, identity, and belonging that will resonate with readers who are drawn to stories about complex family dynamics.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
1. Rich historical detail: One of the most notable pros of Orphan Train is its rich and detailed portrayal of the historical events surrounding the orphan trains in America. Kline does a fantastic job of painting a vivid picture of what life was like for both the orphans and those involved in organizing and running the train.
2. Compelling characters: The two main characters, Vivian Daly and Molly Ayer, are both complex and well-developed. Their stories are intertwined in an intriguing way that keeps readers invested in their journeys throughout the book.
3. Emotional depth: This book tackles difficult themes such as loss, abandonment, identity, and belonging with sensitivity and emotional depth. Readers will find themselves deeply moved by the experiences of both Vivian and Molly as they navigate their pasts to find a sense of closure and understanding.
4. Dual timeline structure: The story alternates between present-day Maine with Molly's story, and 1920s Minnesota with Vivian's story on the orphan train. This dual timeline structure adds layers to the narrative and allows readers to see how these two seemingly different lives intersect.
5. Universal themes: While Orphan Train is set in specific time periods with unique circumstances, it touches on universal themes that many readers can relate to – family dynamics, finding one's place in the world, overcoming adversity – making it a relevant read for all ages.
Cons:
1. Lack of depth in characters: Many readers have found that the characters in this book lack depth and development, making it difficult to fully connect with them or care about their stories.
2. Unrealistic plot points: Some readers have criticized the book for including several unrealistic plot points, such as unlikely coincidences and overly convenient resolutions.
3. Disjointed storytelling: The story is told through alternating perspectives between two different time periods, which can make the narrative feel disjointed and confusing at times.
4. Stereotypical portrayal of Native American culture: The character Vivian's experiences with Native American families are based on stereotypes rather than accurate depictions of their culture, which may be offensive to some readers.
5. Slow pacing: Many readers have noted that the pacing of this book is slow, making it a bit tedious to get through at times.
Final Thoughts:Should You Read It?
is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, particularly those interested in the often-overlooked topic of orphan trains. Kline’s writing style is captivating and her characters are deeply developed, making it easy for readers to become invested in their stories. The book also sheds light on important issues such as foster care, immigration, and family dynamics.
Moreover, Orphan Train offers a unique perspective on American history that is not commonly explored. Through the parallel narratives of two women from different time periods, Kline beautifully weaves together themes of loss, resilience, and identity. This book will leave you with a greater understanding and appreciation for the struggles faced by orphan train riders and their impact on American society today.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Orphan Train to all readers looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally charged story that will stay with them long after they turn the last page. It's an inspiring tale of hope and perseverance that reminds us of the power of human connection even in the most difficult circumstances.
Where to Buy?
Buy "Orphan Train" on Amazon
Buy Now
