LibGuides: Islington Branch Book Club: "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

Discussion Questions

Identity and Belonging:
- How do Vivian and Molly grapple with questions of identity and belonging throughout the novel? What factors shape their sense of self and their place in the world?
- Discuss the significance of names in the novel, particularly Vivian's changing identities as a result of her experiences as an orphan. How do names reflect characters' identities and relationships?
The Orphan Train Movement:
- Explore the historical context of the Orphan Train movement in the United States. How does the novel shed light on this little-known chapter of American history?
- Discuss the impact of the Orphan Train on the lives of children like Vivian. How does the experience of being sent on the Orphan Train shape Vivian's identity and relationships as an adult?
Trauma and Resilience:
- Examine the theme of trauma and resilience in the novel. How do Vivian and Molly cope with the traumas they have experienced in their lives? How do their experiences of loss and displacement shape their resilience?
- Discuss the role of empathy and understanding in helping characters like Vivian and Molly heal from their past traumas. How do their relationships with others contribute to their healing processes?
Interconnected Lives:
- Analyze the ways in which Vivian's and Molly's lives intersect and parallel each other throughout the novel. How do their shared experiences of loss and displacement create a bond between them?
- Discuss the significance of the friendship that develops between Vivian and Molly. How does their relationship impact each other's lives and help them find healing and connection?
Family and Community:
- Explore the themes of family and community in the novel. How do Vivian and Molly redefine the concepts of family and belonging through their relationships with each other and with other characters?
- Discuss the importance of chosen family versus biological family in the novel. How do characters like Vivian and Molly create their own sense of family and community in the face of loss and displacement?
Legacy and Memory:
- Reflect on the theme of legacy and memory in the novel. How do Vivian's experiences as an orphan shape her understanding of her own past and her place in the world? How does she come to terms with her own legacy?
- Discuss the importance of preserving and sharing personal stories, such as Vivian's, as a means of honoring individual experiences and collective history.
The Ending:
- Reflect on the ending of the novel and the resolution of Vivian's and Molly's stories. How do they find closure and redemption in their respective journeys? What does the ending suggest about the power of connection and understanding in overcoming past traumas?

Synopsis

Between 1854 and 1929, so-called orphan trains ran regularly from the cities of the East Coast to the farmlands of the Midwest, carrying thousands of abandoned children whose fates would be determined by pure luck. Would they be adopted by a kind and loving family, or would they face a childhood and adolescence of hard labor and servitude. As a young Irish immigrant, Vivian Daly was one such child, sent by rail from New York City to an uncertain future a world away. Returning east later in life, Vivian leads a quiet, peaceful existence on the coast of Maine, the memories of her upbringing rendered a hazy blur. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past. Seventeen-year-old Molly Ayer knows that a community-service position helping an elderly widow clean out her attic is the only thing keeping her out of juvenile hall. But as Molly helps Vivian sort through her keepsakes and possessions, she discovers that she and Vivian aren't as different as they appear. A Penobscot Indian who has spent her youth in and out of foster homes, Molly is also an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past.

About the Author: Christina Baker Kline

Christina Baker Kline is a bestselling American author known for her novels that explore themes of identity, family, and resilience, often drawing on historical events for inspiration. Her works combine historical fiction with deeply personal stories, creating narratives that resonate with a wide audience. Here’s an overview of her life and career:

Early Life and Education

Born: Christina Baker Kline was born on April 14, 1964, in Cambridge, England. She grew up in various places, including the American South and Maine, as her family moved frequently during her childhood.
Education: Kline attended Yale University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She then pursued further studies at Cambridge University in England. Later, she earned two Master’s degrees: an MFA in creative writing from the University of Virginia and an MA in literature from Cambridge University.

Writing Career

1993: Kline published her debut novel, Sweet Water, which follows the story of a woman who inherits a house from her grandfather and uncovers dark family secrets. This novel began her exploration of themes such as family dynamics and the complexity of memory.
2003-2007: She continued to write novels, including The Way Life Should Be (2007), which is set in Maine and reflects Kline’s interest in the themes of self-discovery and starting over.
2013: Kline achieved widespread recognition with the publication of Orphan Train, a historical novel inspired by the real-life orphan trains that transported abandoned children from the East Coast to the Midwest between 1854 and 1929. The story interweaves the life of a present-day teenage girl in foster care with that of an elderly woman who was one of the orphan train riders. The novel became a #1 New York Times bestseller and was on the list for over two years.
2020: Kline published The Exiles, a novel set in 19th-century Australia that follows the lives of women who are transported from Britain as convicts. The story explores themes of exile, colonialism, and the fight for survival. It was well-received and became a bestseller.

Themes and Style

Christina Baker Kline’s novels often focus on historical events and overlooked stories, particularly those involving women’s experiences. She uses dual narratives and intertwines different time periods, creating a sense of connection between past and present. Her writing is known for its emotional depth, detailed research, and vivid character portrayals.

Personal Life

Residence: Kline splits her time between New York City and Maine.
Family: She is married to David Kline, and they have three sons. Her personal experiences and background have influenced her work, particularly her interest in historical narratives and regional settings.

Recognition and Impact

Christina Baker Kline has become a prominent voice in historical fiction, with Orphan Train in particular bringing attention to a little-known chapter of American history. Her ability to craft stories that resonate across time periods has earned her a large readership and critical acclaim. She continues to write and contribute to discussions about literature, history, and social issues through her work.

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