Book: Orphan Train

[elusivek]

Orphan Train
Christina Baker Kline
Amazon Product Link

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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Disclaimer first that, I did not read the actual book, I listened to the Audible version of it, so I cannot comment on the writing itself. The story itself was fascinating, not quite tearjerker, but heart tugging.

I hated the voice though. Narration voice was OK, Molly's voice was OK, old people voice was OK, all men's voices made them all sound drunk. I think I would have enjoyed reading the book more than listening to the book.

It was interesting to see the parallels of Molly's and Vivian's lives. I was rooting for Vivian when she met back with Dutchy (though I saw that right from the beginning), and it was sad with what happened after. Vivian must have been one of the luckier ones, despite all that happened, I suppose.

The ending was pragmatic and open for a lot of speculation, with a hopeful note. It was nice. Again, I guess I would enjoy it more if I read it instead.

This read fulfils prompt #2 A book set on a plane, train, or cruise ship.

Comments

[deepseasiren.livejournal.com]

I saw this documentary actually...it may vary from the book but it was sad and fascinating.

[mymimikyu.livejournal.com]

Oooh this sounds like a book I'd be interested in reading!

[supernutjapan.livejournal.com]

Isn't the audible version of the book the same as the actual book in content? Do they change it? Never listened to a book before so, curious.