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I really loved this book. After deciding that the narrator was too often ascribing thoughts and feelings to the nine year old girl that were far too sophisticated, I reread the beginning and realized that the narrator is not an omniscient narrator with Niamh as the center of consciousness, it was actually Niamh herself, grown to the age of ninety one, remembering her story. Pretty soon the story had totally caught me in its spell. It's not a book compelling for its beautiful sentences, although
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After her parents die in a tragic fire, Niamh find herself a reluctant passenger on the Orphan Train bound for the countryside in a movement to 'help' foster kids find a family. Although well-meaning, the children are carted aboard and exhibited like possessions chosen for their age, ability to work or money that the families would receive for housing the children.
Along the way she befriends Dutchy and they promise to reunite years later when they are separated at the first depot. Niamh renamed ...more
Along the way she befriends Dutchy and they promise to reunite years later when they are separated at the first depot. Niamh renamed ...more
I think I would have liked this book a little more had I not just finished another book that discusses the orphan train (and which also had some similarities such as characters named Dutchy and an unlikely yet touching reunion of orphans later in their lives). This book was also a little contrived at times - present day foster child who has been bounced between many bad homes meets up with elderly woman who had been on the orphan train in her youth and had also been in many bad homes and both wo
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The history featured in this book intrigued me, and it was a big part of why I was hooked from the beginning. The writing is phenomenal. The descriptions were so perfect, that I could almost breath the cold Minnesota air. I loved the two different, yet similar heroines, and their stories. Vivian, the elderly woman with a sad past, and Molly, who is struggling for a better future. I was completely enthralled by Vivian's story, especially. I had no idea that there were Orphan Trains during the Gre
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Was decent. The way they portrayed Molly's foster parents (plus various recent news stories of late) makes me think that foster care in modern times has not evolved much from the times of old.
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I really liked this book. It has interesting history and I liked the way it went back and forth between a modern day character and a historical character. Good pick Tiff!
Dec 05, 2013
Kendra
marked it as to-read
Feb 10, 2014
Lisa
marked it as to-read
Jun 18, 2014
Laura
marked it as to-read
Jan 25, 2016
Emily
marked it as to-read
May 15, 2016
Vicki
marked it as to-read
Mar 04, 2017
Elizabeth
marked it as to-read
