Orphan Train

by Christina Baker Kline

Sarah's take

I absolutely adore "Orphan Train" because it beautifully intertwines the past and present, showcasing the resilience of women and the complexities of identity through Molly and Vivian’s poignant connection. This novel is perfect for readers who appreciate deep emotional journeys and stories that explore the themes of belonging and justice, as it invites us to reflect on our own histories while highlighting the enduring strength found in unlikely friendships.

About the book

When seventeen-year-old foster child Molly helps elderly Vivian clean her attic, she discovers they share more than expected—both are outsiders shaped by loss and displacement. As Vivian reveals her past as an Irish orphan sent west on a 1929 "orphan train," their unlikely friendship illuminates how the search for belonging transcends generations. Two stories of survival interweave to explore family, resilience, and the unexpected places we find home.

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