"Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline is a poignant and heart-wrenching novel that tells the story of two women, Vivian and Molly, whose lives intersect when they least expect it. Vivian is a wealthy elderly woman who was orphaned as a child and sent on the orphan trains to find a new home in the early 1900s. Molly is a troubled teenager who is aging out of the foster care system and is sent to do community service helping Vivian clean out her attic.
The novel alternates between Vivian's past and Molly's present, exploring themes of loss, identity, and resilience. As Vivian shares her story with Molly, the two women form a deep bond and learn valuable lessons from each other.
Kline's writing is evocative and immersive, transporting readers to a different time and place. The characters are well-developed and engaging, and the story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. "Orphan Train" sheds light on a little-known chapter of American history and raises important questions about family, belonging, and the power of human connection.
Overall, "Orphan Train" is a moving and thought-provoking novel that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and stories of resilience and redemption.