In shades of Jane Eyre and Anne of Green Gables, Orphan Train gives us a fascinating glimpse into a little-known period of American history. “Sometimes I gave myself a headache trying to figure out how it all fit together.” Fortunately for us, she artfully succeeds. Indeed, in a post-book interview, Kline speaks of her desire to balance her parallel narratives. As a writer, I recognize that this narrative choice take some skill to achieve. My take: Double-narrative novels seem all in vogue these days Orphan Train is the third I’ve read in as many months. Would I read another by this author? Absolutely. Why did I read this book? It’s the She Reads Book Club selection of the month. Reminds me of… The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.

Judge this book by its cover? A beautiful cover that ably captures a poignant story. Molly discovers that she has the power to help Vivian find answers to mysteries that have haunted her for her entire life – answers that will ultimately free them both. A young Irish immigrant orphaned in New York City, Vivian was put on a train to the Midwest with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck and chance. A community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping Molly out of juvie and worse…Īs she helps Vivian sort through her possessions and memories, Molly learns that she and Vivian aren’t as different as they seem to be. She lives with her husband and three sons in Montclair, New Jersey.Ībout this book: Penobscot Indian Molly Ayer is close to “aging out” out of the foster care system. Born in England and raised on the American East Coast, Kline is co-author of The Conversation Begins: Mothers and Daughters Talk about Living Feminism. I’m pleased to introduce Orphan Train, this month’s featured She Reads selection by Christina Baker Kline.

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