One Sentence Summary
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline is a story that follows the span of nearly one hundred years in the lives of two women as they form a unique bond while traversing the painful legacy of their pasts.
Book Genre
Orphan Train is a historical novel, written by Christina Baker Keline.
Main Topic of the Book
The main topic of Orphan Train is the relationship between two women – Vivian, a ninety-one year old woman who was once an orphan on the titular train, and Molly, a seventeen year old teen who is struggling to find her identity. They both attempt to learn from each other while gaining understanding about themselves.
Key Ideas
- Adoption: The novel examines the theme of adoption and its effects on the lives of people who go through it.
- Family: Orphan Train provides a unique exploration of family ties, both through a traditional and alternative approach.
- History: It also examines historical events, particularly from the 19th century, as well as the lasting legacies they have on present day.
Main Parts of the Book & a Short Summary
- Part One: Molly gets a community service job helping Vivian organize her possessions at her home. In return, she is interested in Vivian’s story and agrees to look into Vivian’s past. Vivian tells Molly her story, from her childhood as an Irish immigrant said to America on the Orphan Train. After being adopted, Vivian is physically and emotionally abused. She later runs away and meets a Frenchman who teaches her lessons in life and love. Together, they eventually settle in Maine.
- Part Two: As Vivian and Molly share their stories, Vivian becomes a light in Molly’s life, helping to reconcile with her own adoption trauma. With insight and courage, Vivian and Molly confront the past and learn to forge a new path forward together.
Key Takeaways
The main takeaways from Orphan Train are understanding of adoption and its impact on the lives of individuals, how family ties are formed and strengthened through alternative approaches, and an appreciation of history and its legacies.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Christina Baker Kline is an award-winning writer and New York Times bestselling author of nine novels, including Orphan Train. She is the winner of several awards including the Massachusetts Book Award, the American Library Association’s Alex Award and the Library of Virginia’s People’s Choice Award.
Target Audience
Orphan Train is written for an adult audience, and is recommended for readers of historical fiction and those who are interested in the complexities of family ties, adoption, and historical legacies.
Publisher and First Publication Date
Orphan Train was published in April 2013 by William Morrow.