“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
Moving between contemporary Maine and Depression-era Minnesota, Orphan Train is a powerful novel of upheaval and resilience, of second chances, and unexpected friendship.
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.
Christina Baker Kline is the author of six novels, including the #1 New York Times bestseller Orphan Train as well as A Piece of the World. She lives outside New York City and spends as much time as possible on the coast of Maine. Learn more about Christina at www.christinabakerkline.com.
What People are Saying About This
Jacquelyn Mitchard
“A book about love and disappointment and risk and risotto, utterly appealing on every level.”
Richard Russo
“Christina Baker Kline is a relentless storyteller. Once she sets her hook and starts reeling you in, struggle becomes counterproductive. The narrative line is too taut, the angler at the other end too skillful.”
This year Barnes & Noble is honoring four booksellers with the 2015 Above & Beyond Award, Barnes & Noble’s way to recognize booksellers for excellence in delivering extraordinary customer service, team spirit, going the extra mile, increasing business knowledge and personal growth. This week we’ll be getting to know the winners, and today we’re talking to Donna Williams. […]
February brings us a wide variety of historical fiction set around the world (France! Vietnam! Japan! England!), as well as two stories set in Maine. Whether you’re in the mood for melancholy and beautiful reads, light comedies, or a mixture of both, you’ll find plenty of books to love during this month of chocolate and love […]
This year Barnes & Noble is honoring four booksellers with the 2015 Above & Beyond Award, Barnes & Noble’s way to recognize booksellers for excellence in delivering extraordinary customer service, team spirit, going the extra mile, increasing business knowledge and personal growth. Let’s get to know the winners! Mike Fleming Store: Yonkers, NY Exemplifies: Going the Extra Mile Café […]
There’s only one bad thing about reading a great book—finding an equally great book can seem impossible. After reading something wonderful, nearly everything pales in comparison. If you’ve recently finished Anne Rice’s Prince Lestat, Christina Baker Kline’s Orphan Train, James Dashner’s The Maze Runner, Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch, or Veronica Roth’s Divergent, you might find yourself in that position. Below, […]
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