DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR "THE ORPHAN TRAIN"

How did you like the way the author switched back and forth between the two stories?  Did you prefer one story over the other?  Explain.

It isn't until a rebellious 17 year old girl with secrets of her own starts asking pointed questions that Vivian finally tells her story.  The author said "Over the course of the novel, Vivian moves from shame to acceptance, coming to terms about her past and in the process learns about the regenerative power of claiming and telling one's own life story."  Talk about whether or not you agree with that in the book as well as in real life.

The present day story took place over 6 weeks or so.  Vivian's story encompassed 90 years.  Did you find it hard to follow?  Why or why not?

Do you find it hard to believe that children were put on trains and taken cross country to be basically "picked through" by perspective parents who sometimes only wanted extra help on the farm or around the house?  Talk about how this was better/worse than being left in an orphanage.

How did you perceive Vivian's decision to give her daughter up for adoption?

There is evidently a 1979 PBS movie called "The Orphan Train".  Do you think this book would make a good movie?  Why or why not?

How do you feel about the way the author ended the book?

If you were to write additional chapters, what would happen to Vivian and/or Molly?