The #1 New York Times BestsellerNow featuring a sneak peek at Christina’s forthcoming novel A Piece of the World, coming February 2017.Christina Baker Kline’s #1 New York Times bestselling novel—the captivating story of 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 long-buried questions…now with an … leads her to seek answers to long-buried questions…now with an extended scene that addresses the number one question readers ask, and an excerpt from Kline’s upcoming novel A Piece of the World.
“A lovely novel about the search for family that also happens to illuminate a fascinating and forgotten chapter of America’s history. Beautiful.”—Ann Packer
Between 1854 and 1929, so-called orphan trains ran regularly from the cities of the East Coast to the farmlands of the Midwest, carrying thousands of abandoned children whose fates would be determined by pure luck. Would they be adopted by a kind and loving family, or would they face a childhood and adolescence of hard labor and servitude?
As a young Irish immigrant, Vivian Daly was one such child, sent by rail from New York City to an uncertain future a world away. Returning east later in life, Vivian leads a quiet, peaceful existence on the coast of Maine, the memories of her upbringing rendered a hazy blur. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past.
Seventeen-year-old Molly Ayer knows that a community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping her out of juvenile hall. But as Molly helps Vivian sort through her keepsakes and possessions, she discovers that she and Vivian aren’t as different as they appear. A Penobscot Indian who has spent her youth in and out of foster homes, Molly is also an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past.
Moving between contemporary Maine and Depression-era Minnesota, Orphan Train is a powerful novel of upheaval and resilience, of second chances, and unexpected friendship.
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Loved the story!
It was ok. I had relatives that had been sent out on orphan train. Moderately entertaining. Not great
So sad these things actually happened in this country. One of the great tragedy’s of our history where we did not perform very well.
History is not always what we believe. A part of our past that I never knew about and how society dealt with a problem of the time.
Well researched. Led me to read other books by this author.
I love all of her books!!
modern classic
Excellent historical fiction. The characters and story have stayed with me. The book really has an impact.
A tremendously moving story!
I love books that employ actual events in the subplot, and Kline has done this very well. There are many dark moments in US history and the removal of orphans from large east coast cities, sent by train to the Midwest. These children were generally forced into unpaid labor, under harsh conditions. Though fictitious, Kline’s story begins with two …
This is a part of American history I knew nothing about. Great historical fiction. Characters you’ll route for.
Wonderful book.
I was immersed in this story from the beginning and horrified that it’s based on real life. An inspiring tale of resilience and the ability of the human spirit to overcome harrowing experiences.
I loved the story of the 91-year-old lady’s life, and it almost felt like the book should just be about that. This book made me value my clean clothes, my home and my cozy bed more than ever.
Wonderful Read!!!!
Sad but a good read!
I absolutely loved this book. The story was unforgettable and the author wrote beautifully!
Loved it!
Excellent story.
My grandmother found out at the age of 65 that she had been adopted as an infant. I wonder if she was an orphan on a train to Michigan. Would have been the right time frame.