Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline

Characters
Molly – 2011	Niamh > Dorothy > Vivian  - 1929 and forward
Molly – in Foster Care System – Penobscot Indian Dina and Ralph – Foster parents in 2011 Jack – boyfriend Terry – mother, Vivian’s housekeeper	Parents Dominick and James - brothers Maisie – baby sister Mr. and Mrs. Schatzman – New York neighbors Children’s Aid Society – Mr. Sorenson Train: Mrs. Scatherd Mr. Curran Carmine Hans > Dutchy > Luke Maynard – first husband Mr. and Mrs. Byrne – foster parents in Minnesota – sewing factory in home – employed Fanny and other girls Wilma and Gerald Grote – Minnesota, 1930 School: Miss. Larsen – teacher Mr. Post – driver, handyman Mrs. Murphy – Miss Larson’s landlady Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen – own general store Vivian – daughter who died Jim Daly – second husband Sarah Dunnell – daughter – born 1943, given for adoption

 For discussion:

NOTE: Page numbers are from paperback edition of book.  Also, I used the name Niamh went by during the time period of each question.

1. At the time this book was written the state of Maine, where Molly lived, was the only state required to teach Native American Culture and history.  Were you aware of this?  Why didn’t the other states do so?
2. Molly’s assignment to interview someone about their “portaging” experience was the start of her interest in Vivian’s story.  What have been your portaging experiences?    What are one or more things you take with you when you travel or move?
3. In the American History class discussion, Molly reveals that she is a Penobscot Indian and compares the Native America Indian’s experience to those of the Irish under the British rule.  Do you think this was a valid comparison?
4. Molly’s task at Vivian’s was to help her clean out the attic.  Instead they just reorganized everything.  Molly thought that maybe “…the value is in the process – in touching each item, in naming and identifying, in acknowledging the significance…”  (page 173) Do you agree?  How do you think their apparent lack of progress was viewed by others who might eventually have to clean out the attic?
5. Do you think the Schwartzman’s were justified in lying about Maisie’s death and adopting her after they sent Niamh away?
6. Were you surprised that there was not more care in the children’s placement.  Mr. Sorenson seemed surprised that the Byrne’s had no intention of adopting Dorothy and it seemed obvious that placement with the Grote’s was not positive environment.
7. When Vivian was grown she thought, “…when I begin to wear makeup, I have a revelation.  I’ve viewed my life until now as a series of unrelated adaptations.”  But then she realized, “I can determine my own next incarnation.” (Page 204)  Is this always true?  Do we have the power within us to be whatever we decide?   Is this also true of Molly?
8. Did you think is was realistic that Vivian could manage and improve the Nielson’s store so easily given her background, education and lack of retail experience?
9. Vivian did not have a very positive impression of the ending of The Wizard of Oz.  “Back on the farm, her life stretches ahead to the flat horizon line, already populated with the only characters she’ll every know.”  (Page 223)   Can you understand this interpretation?  What was your first experience seeing the movie?
10. Was Dutchy and Vivian’s meeting in Minneapolis just a little too convenient? 
11. Were you surprised that Vivian gave her baby away?  Do you think it was the right thing for her do to?  Can you understand her motives?
12. In 1929, was there a better solution for taking care of the orphaned children rather than the Orphan Trains?
13. Do you think it was right for the Nielson’s to ask Dorothy to change her name to that of their deceased daughter?  Was this a compliment to Dorothy?
14. How important is your name to you?  How do you think changing your name would or would not change who you are?

*****
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