A review by gwenceslas
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

3.0

Orphan Train tells two stories: one of Molly a foster kid living in present day Maine and the other of Vivian/Dorothy/Niamh, an orphan sent on a train with other orphans from New York City to the Midwest in the late 1920s. In 2011, Molly gets into a bit of trouble and as a result must log service hours helping 91-year-old Vivian clean out her attic. Vivian retells her past as they go through the boxes in the attic beginning with her immigration from Ireland to America. I found Vivian's story very compelling for its historical significance, its connection to Minnesota, and Vivian's resilience. I hadn't know about Orphan Trains before I heard of this book and I am glad for the introduction to the topic and I am inspired to learn more. Overall, Orphan Train was a quick and enjoyable read.