Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

2 reviews

k_galloway's review

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Xenophobia, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Racism, Racial slurs, Abandonment, Classism, Cursing, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Trafficking, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Bullying, Hate crime, Gaslighting, Grief, and Pedophilia

Moderate: Violence and War

Minor: Pregnancy

very graphic child sexual abuse scene

sarah984's review

emotional informative reflective slow-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I don't really know what to think about this book. The true story of the orphan trains is interesting, tragic and important, but the author made every possible wrong decision.

The characters are all flat stereotypes (drunk Irishman, bitter Native American foster child, kind teacher with no characteristics) and the story follows very predictable beats. The constant use of "Indian" in the modern sections is mind-boggling. The story is written like a middle-grade book to teach kids about the orphan trains, but contains a graphic rape scene.

This is an important story to tell, but there must be better books about it.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Alcoholism

Moderate: Bullying, Grief, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, and Addiction