This book really made me stop and think about how unfair life can be. Sometimes, you have control over your circumstances, and sometimes, you don't. I immediately felt sympathy for both Niamh and Molly; they had both experienced such trauma at early ages, and both essentially lost their families when they were far too young.
Before picking this book up, I didn't know much about the orphan trains, and it's difficult to imagine what many of these children endured. While it's nice to picture these orphans who were taken in by new families had positive experiences similar to Anne Shirley's life with the Cuthberts in "Anne of Green Gables," unfortunately, I believe Niamh and Dutchy's situations were the reality more often than not.
Though the flashbacks of Niamh's life were difficult to read, especially her time with the Grotes, watching the relationship between Molly and her grow into such a unique friendship was one of the best parts of this book, and overall, it was hard to put down. It's an interesting look at history, how much an impact our childhoods have in shaping us, and how some friendships are found at the most opportune times.
"Orphan Train" is available at the SCCC Library.
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