writerrhiannon 's review for:

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

4.0

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I'll be honest, I didn't want to read this book. It sounded so depressing. Orphaned children shipped to the Midwest for free labor? Ugh. Heartbreaking! But as I gained momentum in my reading, I realized that the train is just a starting point. A metaphor for where life takes you. Sometimes you are merely at the mercy of the route., hopeful for a compassionate conductor.

While the subject matter is indeed bleak, the main character's perseverance and hope overpower even the worst conditions. Dorothy focuses on her future, even after Mr.Grotes' "violation." When she finds she will be staying with Miss Larsen temporarily, her "heart is swelling with joy. Miss Larsen is taking me home with her! I can't believe my good fortune." Instead of focusing on the tragedies of her recent past, she focuses on the present and considers herself lucky.

Read my entire review here: http://www.ivoryowlreviews.blogspot.com/2013/05/orphan-train.html