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A review by sarah984
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I don't really know what to think about this book. The true story of the orphan trains is interesting, tragic and important, but the author made every possible wrong decision.
The characters are all flat stereotypes (drunk Irishman, bitter Native American foster child, kind teacher with no characteristics) and the story follows very predictable beats. The constant use of "Indian" in the modern sections is mind-boggling. The story is written like a middle-grade book to teach kids about the orphan trains, but contains a graphic rape scene.
This is an important story to tell, but there must be better books about it.
The characters are all flat stereotypes (drunk Irishman, bitter Native American foster child, kind teacher with no characteristics) and the story follows very predictable beats. The constant use of "Indian" in the modern sections is mind-boggling. The story is written like a middle-grade book to teach kids about the orphan trains, but contains a graphic rape scene.
This is an important story to tell, but there must be better books about it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Addiction, Bullying, Physical abuse, Grief, and Religious bigotry