Orphan Train: A Novel

A # 1 New York Times Best Seller, Christina Baker Kline’s Orphan Train is an unforgettable story of friendship and second chances that highlights a little-known but historically significant movement in America’s past—and it includes a special PS section for book clubs featuring insights, interviews, and more. Rich in detail and epic in scope, Orphan Train is a powerful novel of upheaval and resilience, of unexpected friendship, and of the secrets we carry that keep us from finding out who we are.

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Published Jan 10, 2017

320 pages

Average rating: 7.88

495 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

What Bookclubbers are saying about this book

✨ Summarized by Bookclubs AI

Readers say *Orphan Train* offers an engaging look at a little-known chapter of American history, praised for its compelling depiction of early 20th-c...

Across the Globe Book Buddies
Oct 19, 2025
8/10 stars
I really enjoyed the book, and struggle between 4 and 5 stars. Finally, I settle on 4, as while it became an engaging fast read, it didn’t grip me overly emotionally as some other recent reads. But again, appreciated the characters, the story - learning about a bit of history...
thenextgoodbook
Sep 04, 2025
8/10 stars
I enjoyed this book. I really think it deserves about 3 1/2 stars but went with 4 because the history of the orphan train was so interesting. Very quick to read and really enjoyable.
K Olson
Jan 14, 2025
8/10 stars
I read this for a book club and found it an engrossing book. Although the relationship between Molly and Vivian appeared a bit forced at times overall it worked for me. I especially enjoyed reading Vivian's story as I love historical fiction.
KikiStoneCreek
Jun 03, 2023
8/10 stars
Another fabulous historical fiction read! And of course I love the fact that the author got her inspiration from a book about Jamestown ND, my home state! Lovely book that I couldn't put down!
Ann Bredemeier
Oct 18, 2025
10/10 stars
wonderful story in historical detail...contrasted with another life in another time...

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