Orphan Train by Christina Kline (2013)
Summary of the Book
Christina Kline’s Orphan Train is an emotional and powerful tale of two women separated by ninety years, yet connected by their search for a sense of family and identity. In this novel, the lives of two strong-willed, yet vulnerable women intertwine. Vivian is a young Irish orphan who is sent on an orphan train in 1929, while Molly is a troubled teenager living in present-day Maine.
Plot
Vivian’s story begins in Ireland, where her family is devastated by a series of tragic events. With no other options, she is sent to New York City, where she is placed on an orphan train with other kids and sent on a cross-country journey. Along the way, she is taken in by four different families, each of which brings its own set of challenges.
Molly’s story begins in present-day Maine where she too is struggling to find her place in the world. She is sent to live with her elderly neighbor, Vivian, and the two form an unlikely bond. As Vivian tells Molly about her experiences on the orphan train, Molly begins to understand the power of resilience and the importance of family.
Teachings
Orphan Train is a beautiful story of hope and resilience. Vivian’s story teaches readers that no matter how hard life gets, it is possible to keep going and find joy in the midst of adversity. Through Molly’s story, readers learn that family is not always found in the most obvious places, and that it is possible to find comfort, strength, and understanding in the most unexpected situations.
Interesting Facts
- Orphan Train was a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into thirty languages.
- Vivian’s story is based on the true history of the orphan train movement.
- Orphan Train is Christina Kline’s debut novel.
- The novel has been adapted into a stage play and has been performed across the United States.
FAQs
What is the orphan train? The orphan train was a system set up in the late 19th century to transport orphaned and homeless children from large cities on the East Coast of the United States to rural areas in the Midwest. The goal of the program was to find families to adopt the children and give them a new life.
Who wrote the book Orphan Train? The book was written by Christina Kline in 2013.
What is the plot of the book? The book follows the stories of two different women: Vivian, an Irish orphan sent on an orphan train in 1929, and Molly, a troubled teenager living in present-day Maine. The novel explores the power of resilience and the importance of family.
What are some interesting facts about the book? Orphan Train was a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into thirty languages. Vivian’s story is based on the true history of the orphan train movement. The novel has been adapted into a stage play and has been performed across the United States.