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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
Emotionally riveting. I read this book quickly. I was so drawn in by the leading characters (the supporting characters were far less riveting and a little stereotypical, if not downright annoying). I love the light it shed on a largely unknown aspect of history. I love how the story also hurtled full speed all the way to the end. Deeply satisfying.
3.5 stars. I really can't stand books that are written in 3rd person present tense. Other than that, interesting historical subject.
This book definitely grew on me. It was simple and a bit predictable, but still I was drawn in to the story and its characters.
This was the first selection of the new year for my book club, chosen somewhat for length, something short to start off the year, and because there were book club questions in the back of the book. I have picked books to read for worse reasons, so away we went. Though fiction, this book is the fictionally telling of what to me was an unknown part of American history
From 1854 to 1929, orphan children in New York were placed on trains by a group called the "Children's Aid Society" and sent to various parts of the Midwest to find new homes and new families. This. Really. Happened. These orphans were mostly immigrants, who found themselves alone in a new world so arguably the train could improve their station, but this obviously wasn't a guarantee. Some children found themselves worse off than before, as laborers in unforgiving conditions with cold and uncaring parents. The subject matter of this book was utterly fascinating. Kline takes us back and forth from the late early 1900s to 2011, as we follow the struggles of a modern orphan in the foster care system who is trying to save herself from juvenile detention by helping an old and isolated woman clean out her attic. From what I've already said, I think you can see where this story is going: she learns that the old woman, who she paints as privileged, has lived a hard life as an orphan and was an Irish immigrant and traveler on the aforementioned train.
Overall, I wasn't impressed with this book. Though the subject matter was fascinating, the writing and the story left a lot to be desired. Everything was just very obvious, and the writing was sophomoric. Kline manages the jumps from past to present effectively, but cliches in plot devices abound. For me there were few surprises, and the only "plot twist" I didn't see coming was painful, and for me didn't add anything to the story other than more sorrow.
I would recommend doing research to learn about the Orphan Train, and if you are looking for something innocuous, this is a quick read. Also, for the record, I think I'm officially over the official book club questions provided with novels. Occasionally I have seen a few things to ponder of interest, but these were so painful and obvious that we mostly just laughed about them. That of course, is its own fun.
From 1854 to 1929, orphan children in New York were placed on trains by a group called the "Children's Aid Society" and sent to various parts of the Midwest to find new homes and new families. This. Really. Happened. These orphans were mostly immigrants, who found themselves alone in a new world so arguably the train could improve their station, but this obviously wasn't a guarantee. Some children found themselves worse off than before, as laborers in unforgiving conditions with cold and uncaring parents. The subject matter of this book was utterly fascinating. Kline takes us back and forth from the late early 1900s to 2011, as we follow the struggles of a modern orphan in the foster care system who is trying to save herself from juvenile detention by helping an old and isolated woman clean out her attic. From what I've already said, I think you can see where this story is going: she learns that the old woman, who she paints as privileged, has lived a hard life as an orphan and was an Irish immigrant and traveler on the aforementioned train.
Overall, I wasn't impressed with this book. Though the subject matter was fascinating, the writing and the story left a lot to be desired. Everything was just very obvious, and the writing was sophomoric. Kline manages the jumps from past to present effectively, but cliches in plot devices abound. For me there were few surprises, and the only "plot twist" I didn't see coming was painful, and for me didn't add anything to the story other than more sorrow.
I would recommend doing research to learn about the Orphan Train, and if you are looking for something innocuous, this is a quick read. Also, for the record, I think I'm officially over the official book club questions provided with novels. Occasionally I have seen a few things to ponder of interest, but these were so painful and obvious that we mostly just laughed about them. That of course, is its own fun.
Fascinating story. I had no idea there was an Orphan Train movement in the US. Intriguing, heart breaking and heart warming. Great listen.
I read this book almost on the heels of Sarah's Key, and the two are strikingly similar. They both use alternating present/past storylines to make their various points. I think this one worked better, though, because I actually cared about both storylines. It also helped that Vivian is still around in the present day sections, so you feel more connected with her as a character in both arcs.
I learned a lot about the orphan trains, and I'd be interested in reading more on the subject. This is a book I'd easily recommend to others.
I learned a lot about the orphan trains, and I'd be interested in reading more on the subject. This is a book I'd easily recommend to others.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline intertwines the stories of two women from different eras. One narrative follows Vivian Daly, an elderly woman who was a child on an orphan train in the 1920s. The other storyline focuses on Molly Ayer, a modern-day teenager in foster care who is struggling to find her place in the world.
Their paths cross when Molly is assigned to help Vivian clean out her attic as part of a community service project. Through this experience, both women confront their pasts and share their stories. The novel explores themes of loss, belonging, and the impact of history on personal identity.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
I utterly adored this book. Viv and Molly were beautiful characters you couldn’t help but root for and feel such a deep deep empathy. A novel of resilience and the power of connection. I particularly loved the inclusion of photographs and stories of those who we riders of The Orphan Train.