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The Orphans on the Train
A gripping, moving story of loss, friendship, the need to belong, inspired by real events, of two orphaned girls and the woman who becomes a surrogate mother to them, only to be separated in the most heart-wrenching way.
Two orphaned girls become found family amidst the horrors of WWII in a gripping and heart-wrenching tale of friendship, loss and survival against the odds which sweeps the reader across wartime Europe to Budapest from the mountains of Scotland.
Inspired by true events and perfect for readers of The Nightingale and The Midwife of Auschwitz , from the author of The Child on Platform One and The Lighthouse Sisters .
Readers LOVE Gill Thompson's moving and heart-wrenching
'The characters and their moving stories will haunt you long after you finish the last page' Shirley Dickson
'A warm-hearted tale of love, loss and indefatigable human spirit' Kathryn Hughes
'A heartrending story' Jane Corry
'A mother's loss and a son's courage . . . A heartrending story that spans the world' Diney Costeloe
Two orphaned girls become found family amidst the horrors of WWII in a gripping and heart-wrenching tale of friendship, loss and survival against the odds which sweeps the reader across wartime Europe to Budapest from the mountains of Scotland.
Inspired by true events and perfect for readers of The Nightingale and The Midwife of Auschwitz , from the author of The Child on Platform One and The Lighthouse Sisters .
Readers LOVE Gill Thompson's moving and heart-wrenching
'The characters and their moving stories will haunt you long after you finish the last page' Shirley Dickson
'A warm-hearted tale of love, loss and indefatigable human spirit' Kathryn Hughes
'A heartrending story' Jane Corry
'A mother's loss and a son's courage . . . A heartrending story that spans the world' Diney Costeloe
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2023
431 people are currently reading
946 people want to read
About the author
Gill Thompson
5 books187 followersI taught English for 41 years, mainly at sixth form level. I'm now delighted to have a new career as a writer, with four historical fiction novels to my name. I'm a former Royal Literary Fund Fellow at the University of Chichester, where I studied for my Creative Writing M.A. My new novel, 'The Child at the Window', comes out in April 2026. Do check out my creative writing blog: www.wordkindling.co.uk I'd love to hear from you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
August 22, 2023
Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and Headline and the fantastic author Gill Thompson for an early copy of her book.
This is my first read from this author, A fantastic Historical book. This book starts in Scotland where I live,kirsty dad works in the mines when a terrible accident happens and she becomes an orphan staying with a friend Maggie. kirsty only fourteen and Maggie's husband said it's only temporary so she moves to a school in Budapest to a school for Jews and learns to cook she meets a new friend Anna who's Jewish she teaches her to swim..with the war raging they are safe anymore they have to survive.A engaging read.looking forward to reading more of her books. Highly recommend..
This is my first read from this author, A fantastic Historical book. This book starts in Scotland where I live,kirsty dad works in the mines when a terrible accident happens and she becomes an orphan staying with a friend Maggie. kirsty only fourteen and Maggie's husband said it's only temporary so she moves to a school in Budapest to a school for Jews and learns to cook she meets a new friend Anna who's Jewish she teaches her to swim..with the war raging they are safe anymore they have to survive.A engaging read.looking forward to reading more of her books. Highly recommend..
November 20, 2023
It was 1939 and Kirsty had just lost her da in the most heartbreaking of ways. Dead after a mine collapse in the small village in Scotland where they'd always lived, with Kirsty now an orphan after her mother had died when she was four. She was only fourteen, too young to live by herself, unable to pay rent. But Maggie and Archie took her in while things were decided. It was when a woman who'd originated in Scotland came to Kirsty's rescue, taking her to Hungary to the school where both Christian and Jewish children were housed. Kirsty would help in the kitchen, learn the language and find solace in her grieving.
Gradually Kirsty became friends with Anna, a Hungarian Jew who boarded at the school during the week, returning home to her parents and brother for the weekend. With war closing in on them all, and Jews being rounded up, made to board trains, destination unknown, Matron of the school, Kirsty's friend Jean, was anxious but determined to keep her charges safe. As the Nazis drew closer and the brutal group who hated Jews surrounded them all, Kirsty and Anna were desperate. Would they survive the horrors of war?
The Orphans on the Train by Gill Thompson is an historical novel based on true events and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kirsty was inspirational. Her young age and the years that followed, where she learned much, from a new language, cooking and her passion, swimming, saw her beating the odds on occasion. A heartbreaking, moving novel, The Orphans on the Train is one I recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Gradually Kirsty became friends with Anna, a Hungarian Jew who boarded at the school during the week, returning home to her parents and brother for the weekend. With war closing in on them all, and Jews being rounded up, made to board trains, destination unknown, Matron of the school, Kirsty's friend Jean, was anxious but determined to keep her charges safe. As the Nazis drew closer and the brutal group who hated Jews surrounded them all, Kirsty and Anna were desperate. Would they survive the horrors of war?
The Orphans on the Train by Gill Thompson is an historical novel based on true events and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kirsty was inspirational. Her young age and the years that followed, where she learned much, from a new language, cooking and her passion, swimming, saw her beating the odds on occasion. A heartbreaking, moving novel, The Orphans on the Train is one I recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2023
I had wanted to read a book by Gill Thompson for sometime but the opportunity never presented itself until now. The Orphans on the Train was well worth the wait. It was based on true events and had the ability to rouse all my emotions over the course of the book. Gill Thompson’s research was impeccable and very informative. Her character development was compelling and believable. The Orphans on the Train explored Hungary’s history, culture and the role it played during World War II. Among other things, I learned about the existence of the Arrow Cross party and the atrocities they committed against the Jewish people that resided in Budapest during World War II. The members of the Arrow Cross party were sometimes even more aggressive and violent than the Nazis to the Jewish people of Budapest. I also learned about how the Arrow Cross party had rounded up the Jews of Budapest and made them line up at the edge of the Danube River to be shot execution style but not before the poor victims were instructed to remove their shoes and leave them on the shore so they could be collected after they were killed. A memorial was built to mark the memory of all those who lost their lives in that cruel and brutal way. It was titled “Shoes on the Danube”. The Orphans on the Train told the story of two orphaned girls and the friendship they forged during that harrowing time.
Kirsty McClean grew up in a small village in Scotland. Her mother died when Kirsty was only four years old. She and her father were very close and shared a love for swimming. Kirsty aspired to become a swimming instructor one day just as her father had done in his part time position. With no warning, Kirsty was dealt the most devastating news. A fire had swept through the mine that her father worked in. Kirsty was only fourteen years old when she learned that her father had been one of the victims that was not able to escape from the fire that engulfed the mine he worked in. She was all alone now, a true orphan. Kirsty grieved for her father. A neighbor, Maggie, came to her rescue and took her in but Kirsty knew that she couldn’t stay with her indefinitely. Maggie was kind and guided Kirsty through all the difficult decisions that laid ahead of her. She even taught Kirsty how to cook and bake.
Through the priest that helped Kristy bury her beloved father, she was offered the opportunity to work as a cook’s assistant at a school in Budapest, Hungary. Kirsty was introduced to a kind woman named Jean who was the matron of the school. Jean explained to Kirsty that she ran a school for Jewish and Christian girls. It was a place where the girls could be safe and feel loved. Kirsty wanted a chance to start a new life in a place where she would not be alone, pitied or overly dependent on others. She liked Jean right away and trusted her. Jean was from Scotland originally. Together, Jean and Kirsty made the long journey to Budapest, Hungary. Upon Kirsty’s arrival, she was met with several challenges. Kirsty was not able to speak or understand the language and she had to learn how to make Hungarian food. The war was escalating but Hungary had taken a neutral position. Jean assured Kirsty that they would be safe in Budapest. As the years passed, though, Hungary’s alliance with Germany became increasingly stronger and the people of Budapest felt the repercussions that the Nazis inflicted, especially the Jews.
Shortly after Kirsty arrived, a Jewish girl, Anna, befriended Kirsty. Anna helped Kirsty with some of the things she was responsible for doing. Kirsty appreciated her help and company. Anna helped Kirsty learn the language including some words of slang. Over the years the two girls grew close, as close as sisters. As much as Anna taught Kirsty, Kirsty also taught Anna several things, including how to swim. Kirsty also became extremely close with Jean. She began to look upon Jean as a mother figure to her. Kirsty and Jean forged a beautiful relationship and bond.
The Orphans on the Train by Gill Thompson was a moving historical fiction novel that was based on actual events that occurred in Budapest during World War II. I was impressed by Gill Thompson’s talent as a masterful storyteller. Her research was well documented and really captured the essence of Budapest during World War II. The Orphans on the Train focused on the courage and hope both Kirsty and Anna possessed. The themes of friendship, love, family, trust, loss, dangers, survival, kindness and cruelty were presented throughout the book. It was heartbreaking yet inspiring. The author’s notes at the conclusion of the book gave insight into what actually occurred and which characters were real or imagined. I enjoyed The Orphans on the Train by Gill Thompson and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Headline for allowing me to read The Orphans on the Train by Gill Thompson through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Kirsty McClean grew up in a small village in Scotland. Her mother died when Kirsty was only four years old. She and her father were very close and shared a love for swimming. Kirsty aspired to become a swimming instructor one day just as her father had done in his part time position. With no warning, Kirsty was dealt the most devastating news. A fire had swept through the mine that her father worked in. Kirsty was only fourteen years old when she learned that her father had been one of the victims that was not able to escape from the fire that engulfed the mine he worked in. She was all alone now, a true orphan. Kirsty grieved for her father. A neighbor, Maggie, came to her rescue and took her in but Kirsty knew that she couldn’t stay with her indefinitely. Maggie was kind and guided Kirsty through all the difficult decisions that laid ahead of her. She even taught Kirsty how to cook and bake.
Through the priest that helped Kristy bury her beloved father, she was offered the opportunity to work as a cook’s assistant at a school in Budapest, Hungary. Kirsty was introduced to a kind woman named Jean who was the matron of the school. Jean explained to Kirsty that she ran a school for Jewish and Christian girls. It was a place where the girls could be safe and feel loved. Kirsty wanted a chance to start a new life in a place where she would not be alone, pitied or overly dependent on others. She liked Jean right away and trusted her. Jean was from Scotland originally. Together, Jean and Kirsty made the long journey to Budapest, Hungary. Upon Kirsty’s arrival, she was met with several challenges. Kirsty was not able to speak or understand the language and she had to learn how to make Hungarian food. The war was escalating but Hungary had taken a neutral position. Jean assured Kirsty that they would be safe in Budapest. As the years passed, though, Hungary’s alliance with Germany became increasingly stronger and the people of Budapest felt the repercussions that the Nazis inflicted, especially the Jews.
Shortly after Kirsty arrived, a Jewish girl, Anna, befriended Kirsty. Anna helped Kirsty with some of the things she was responsible for doing. Kirsty appreciated her help and company. Anna helped Kirsty learn the language including some words of slang. Over the years the two girls grew close, as close as sisters. As much as Anna taught Kirsty, Kirsty also taught Anna several things, including how to swim. Kirsty also became extremely close with Jean. She began to look upon Jean as a mother figure to her. Kirsty and Jean forged a beautiful relationship and bond.
The Orphans on the Train by Gill Thompson was a moving historical fiction novel that was based on actual events that occurred in Budapest during World War II. I was impressed by Gill Thompson’s talent as a masterful storyteller. Her research was well documented and really captured the essence of Budapest during World War II. The Orphans on the Train focused on the courage and hope both Kirsty and Anna possessed. The themes of friendship, love, family, trust, loss, dangers, survival, kindness and cruelty were presented throughout the book. It was heartbreaking yet inspiring. The author’s notes at the conclusion of the book gave insight into what actually occurred and which characters were real or imagined. I enjoyed The Orphans on the Train by Gill Thompson and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Headline for allowing me to read The Orphans on the Train by Gill Thompson through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
November 8, 2023
A brilliant read about love and hope set in Scotland and Budapest during WWII
October 25, 2023
What a great historical fiction novel. The horrors of WW2 have echoed through the decades, and this is another perspective, being set mostly in Hungary. The shear force of will for people to survive is amazing, and this book conveys that well. Definitely a great, haunting read!!
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.
December 6, 2024
Another great WWII book.
July 25, 2023
Journeys by train, arriving and leaving, exciting and tragic figure repeatedly in this beautifully written book. It begins in Scotland with recently orphaned Kirsty, a 14-year-old girl, and rapidly moves by rail to Hungary. In Budapest, she joins the staff of a school for both Jews and Christian girls, finding both friendship and a home. Unfortunately, while on the train to Hungary, war is declared and there will be many more orphans.
You won't find a better role model than Jean, the Scottish matron of the school, a true hero. She is a natural teacher, a wise counselor, a protector, a warm maternal presence, and a tireless mentor. And, we have a monstrous villain in Dasco, a thuggish teenager who is part of the savage, anti-Semitic organization the Arrow Cross. The author doesn't shy away from the atrocities and violence experienced in Budapest.
The novel begins and ends with swimming...yes, swimming and it is a constant presence throughout the book. Not a metaphor but real swimming, in a river, lake, and pool. I found the author's note at the end fascinating when she explains why swimming was an integral component of the book. This story is a deep dive into Budapest's culture and its history during WWII. As a retired teacher, former competitive diver, and avid cook, this book it all the right buttons for me. I highly recommend it to all lovers of historical fiction. It will be published on October 1, 2023.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. The opinions & the review are my own.
You won't find a better role model than Jean, the Scottish matron of the school, a true hero. She is a natural teacher, a wise counselor, a protector, a warm maternal presence, and a tireless mentor. And, we have a monstrous villain in Dasco, a thuggish teenager who is part of the savage, anti-Semitic organization the Arrow Cross. The author doesn't shy away from the atrocities and violence experienced in Budapest.
The novel begins and ends with swimming...yes, swimming and it is a constant presence throughout the book. Not a metaphor but real swimming, in a river, lake, and pool. I found the author's note at the end fascinating when she explains why swimming was an integral component of the book. This story is a deep dive into Budapest's culture and its history during WWII. As a retired teacher, former competitive diver, and avid cook, this book it all the right buttons for me. I highly recommend it to all lovers of historical fiction. It will be published on October 1, 2023.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. The opinions & the review are my own.
September 9, 2024
Such an interesting read to learn about one of the most important times in Budapest history
July 23, 2024
Kristy blir föräldralös när hennes pappa dör i en gruvolycka. När hon inte har någonstans att ta vägen får hon genom prästen i byn möjlighet att jobba i köket på en skola för flickor i Budapest, Ungern. Hon blir god vän med judiska flickan Anna och hennes familj. Så når nazisternas framväxt även Ungern och Kristy och Anna svävar i fara. Kan de hitta ett sätt att överleva kriget?
En väldigt bra och oerhört intressant bok om livet i Ungern under andra världskriget. Jag lärde mig något nytt då man får läsa om pilkorsrörelsen som var djupt antisemitiska. Japp, jag har googlat 🤣... boken är också väldigt spännande att det är så svårt att släppa boken när man får följa Kristys och Annas flykt på Donau och genom Budapests gator. Detta är en bok som verkligen kan rekommendera! Läs den!
En väldigt bra och oerhört intressant bok om livet i Ungern under andra världskriget. Jag lärde mig något nytt då man får läsa om pilkorsrörelsen som var djupt antisemitiska. Japp, jag har googlat 🤣... boken är också väldigt spännande att det är så svårt att släppa boken när man får följa Kristys och Annas flykt på Donau och genom Budapests gator. Detta är en bok som verkligen kan rekommendera! Läs den!
April 6, 2025
Amazing and Unforgettable
The more I read the more I felt for all the characters involved. The trials and horrors which each one experienced brought the realities that the spirit can never be destroyed. Amazing/descriptive and inspiring to the end. Thank you for sharing your talent, your gift for writing.
The more I read the more I felt for all the characters involved. The trials and horrors which each one experienced brought the realities that the spirit can never be destroyed. Amazing/descriptive and inspiring to the end. Thank you for sharing your talent, your gift for writing.
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May 7, 2024A tense thriller.
June 26, 2024
In this fascinating, high-stakes historical fiction novel, Gill Thompson brings readers from the Scottish mines to the beautiful city of Budapest in Hungary. After the death of her father, teenage Kirsty travels to Budapest in 1939 to work as a cook at a school for Jewish girls, where she meets Anna, her brother Endre, and the headmistress and fellow Scotswoman Jean. As the war continues on, Kirsty and Anna’s world changes as the Nazis move towards Budapest and laws begin to change in 1943, dramatically affecting Anna, Kirsty, and the school. Readers follow Kirsty and Anna over the course of their friendship and into the struggles of German occupation and antisemitic laws of World War II. The friendship between Kirsty and Anna is particularly charming, heartwarming, and realistic, and it does a lot to further their character development over the course of the novel. The characters are also well-written and live detailed lives, and Thompson develops the individual personalities of the major and minor characters into complex, dynamic figures. The choice of setting in Budapest is particularly fascinating since it is not a common World War II historical fiction setting, and Thompson successfully brings it to life in this lovely historical fiction novel.
Thanks to NetGalley, Headline, and Headline Review for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley, Headline, and Headline Review for the advance copy.
November 19, 2023
I loved this book! A real page turner, based on actual people. Gill Thompson has created a story of courage, hope, and heartbreak in one of the darkest periods of history. A heart wrenching and emotional story showing the resilience of the human spirit.
After a tragic accident 14 year old Kristy is left orphaned and all alone in Scotland. She is offered a position as a cook's assistant at a school in Budapest, despite WWII going on. This book follows Kristy as she make’s friends with a Jewish girl at the school, the dangers they face, and the suffering they endure. Will they and their friends survive the war?
This book had an excellent storyline with a great cast of characters. It evoked many emotions in the reader. I would highly recommend this book. The Orphans On The Train is a thrilling story and one which will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you NetGalley and Headline Books for an advance copy of this book.
After a tragic accident 14 year old Kristy is left orphaned and all alone in Scotland. She is offered a position as a cook's assistant at a school in Budapest, despite WWII going on. This book follows Kristy as she make’s friends with a Jewish girl at the school, the dangers they face, and the suffering they endure. Will they and their friends survive the war?
This book had an excellent storyline with a great cast of characters. It evoked many emotions in the reader. I would highly recommend this book. The Orphans On The Train is a thrilling story and one which will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you NetGalley and Headline Books for an advance copy of this book.
October 13, 2023
After a tragic accident fourteen year old Kristy is left orphaned and unsure of where to go next. When she is offered a chance to leave Scotland and go to work in a Jewish children’s school in Hungry, she decides to take it despite the threat of war looming.
As the years pass she is forced to watch her new home go from a safe haven for her to a place of fear for her mentor, Jean, and her best friend, Anna.
I haven’t read a lot of books taking place in Hungry during the war so this was an incredibly informative read. Gill Thompson did an excellent job weaving together the facts and politics with Kristy’s story to give a heartfelt story.
Thank you to Netgally and Headline Books for letting me read this book in exchange for a review.
As the years pass she is forced to watch her new home go from a safe haven for her to a place of fear for her mentor, Jean, and her best friend, Anna.
I haven’t read a lot of books taking place in Hungry during the war so this was an incredibly informative read. Gill Thompson did an excellent job weaving together the facts and politics with Kristy’s story to give a heartfelt story.
Thank you to Netgally and Headline Books for letting me read this book in exchange for a review.
November 1, 2023
A gripping and moving story follows the lives of two orphaned girls, Kirsty and Anna, and Jean, who becomes like their surrogate mother during World War II.
The story is based on real events. The reader is transported to the mountains of Scotland and the bustling city of Budapest thanks to Thompson's attention to detail and vivid descriptions.
The bond between the two girls is beautifully written, as they navigate the challenges and dangers of their circumstances.
Their friendship becomes their lifeline, providing them with strength and hope in the face of difficulty . I was enthralled with their world, feeling their pain and hoping for their survival.
I was engaged all the way through, the book captured the emotions and experiences of the characters.
The historical context is well-researched and adds depth to the narrative.
This book was a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
It is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in World War II.
The story is based on real events. The reader is transported to the mountains of Scotland and the bustling city of Budapest thanks to Thompson's attention to detail and vivid descriptions.
The bond between the two girls is beautifully written, as they navigate the challenges and dangers of their circumstances.
Their friendship becomes their lifeline, providing them with strength and hope in the face of difficulty . I was enthralled with their world, feeling their pain and hoping for their survival.
I was engaged all the way through, the book captured the emotions and experiences of the characters.
The historical context is well-researched and adds depth to the narrative.
This book was a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
It is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in World War II.
September 21, 2025
It is a fiction novel, with the main storyline being fictitious. However, there are characters in it which are loosely based on real people and also used the real names of some absolute hero's who risked their lives to save thousands of Jewish people.
its hard to "enjoy" a ww2 book when reading of the atrocities Jewish people endured but it was a story I couldn't put down and some of the characters will stay with me.
its hard to "enjoy" a ww2 book when reading of the atrocities Jewish people endured but it was a story I couldn't put down and some of the characters will stay with me.
July 16, 2025
Great book
I enjoyed this book about 2 girls who meet.
One is from Scotland, the other is a Jew in Hungary.
World War 2, the book takes you into the story.
I will read her other books
I enjoyed this book about 2 girls who meet.
One is from Scotland, the other is a Jew in Hungary.
World War 2, the book takes you into the story.
I will read her other books
November 9, 2024
This is a story about Kirsty, a young Scottish girl, whose mother died when she was very young. Her father is quite a swimmer and has encouraged Kirsty to learn. She finds this sport very relaxing and dreams of being a trainer one day. When she is 14, her father is killed, and she is completely lost and alone. There are no other relatives, except an aunt who is not interested in taking in a 14-year-old. When she meets Jean, a missionary to a girl's school in Hungary, she ends up going with her to be an assistant cook. Unfortunately, the war begins, and terror is everywhere. The Nazis are invading Hungary and their school which houses Jewish girls is in danger. Some graphic details of the horrors of the Nazis, but worth reading. Although this story is not true, it is based on actual characters and actual events. Be sure to read the author's notes at the end.
November 23, 2023
Let me start by saying I adore this book and the stories it brings to light. I have never read a World War 2 book set in Hungary and prior to visiting Budapest last fall was ignorant to the extent of brutality faced by it’s Jewish (and other) citizens during Nazi occupation and the Arrow Cross party’s reign of terror. (A horror followed immediately by Soviet/Communist occupation until the fall of the Iron Curtain and official independence in the early 1990’s). You cannot visit this city without seeing this history displayed in the form of monuments, museums, and even its public transport system.
Gill Thompson captured the tone needed to convey the anxiety and terror of the city at this time while keeping you so enthralled in the story that once the events start rolling you can’t look away. I loved watching Kristy grow from an orphaned 14-year-old girl into a savvy 19 year-old-woman who is loyal, determined to stand with what’s right, and strategic enough to not only keep herself alive but her Jewish best friend as well. The on page depiction of Kristy and Anna’s friendship is so real, it’s not one that’s perfect and you see them have to work out big issues, but at the end of the day they love one another so much and are each other’s chosen family. I also greatly appreciated that the message of showing kindness and mercy to those who have greatly wronged you was touched upon. It is so essential to both the Christian and Jewish faith and I love that it was woven into the story in a tactful manner. And lastly where Thompson took this book in the last 10% had my jaw dropped, I was not expecting her to briefly touch on the time of Communist occupation and the Iron Curtain but oh my gosh how she executed it was so good!
I would say go into this book knowing what time period and situation you are going into, which I feel is standard for the majority of books covering the World War 2 period.
Trigger Warnings for: on page anti-semitism, attempted and referenced sexual assault, violence, murder/execution/genocide, referenced/off page torture, and death of a parent. If you can read about these things I do recommend this book though!!!
On a side note, the research and passion Gill Thompson put into this book is so evident within the story and I highly recommend reading her author’s note to learn about the women in history who inspired the three heroines of this story!
{ Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing an eARC of this book and to Felicia from Headline for inviting me to be part of The Orphans on the Train Influencer Tour! }
Gill Thompson captured the tone needed to convey the anxiety and terror of the city at this time while keeping you so enthralled in the story that once the events start rolling you can’t look away. I loved watching Kristy grow from an orphaned 14-year-old girl into a savvy 19 year-old-woman who is loyal, determined to stand with what’s right, and strategic enough to not only keep herself alive but her Jewish best friend as well. The on page depiction of Kristy and Anna’s friendship is so real, it’s not one that’s perfect and you see them have to work out big issues, but at the end of the day they love one another so much and are each other’s chosen family. I also greatly appreciated that the message of showing kindness and mercy to those who have greatly wronged you was touched upon. It is so essential to both the Christian and Jewish faith and I love that it was woven into the story in a tactful manner. And lastly where Thompson took this book in the last 10% had my jaw dropped, I was not expecting her to briefly touch on the time of Communist occupation and the Iron Curtain but oh my gosh how she executed it was so good!
I would say go into this book knowing what time period and situation you are going into, which I feel is standard for the majority of books covering the World War 2 period.
Trigger Warnings for: on page anti-semitism, attempted and referenced sexual assault, violence, murder/execution/genocide, referenced/off page torture, and death of a parent. If you can read about these things I do recommend this book though!!!
On a side note, the research and passion Gill Thompson put into this book is so evident within the story and I highly recommend reading her author’s note to learn about the women in history who inspired the three heroines of this story!
{ Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing an eARC of this book and to Felicia from Headline for inviting me to be part of The Orphans on the Train Influencer Tour! }
April 30, 2024
2,5 ⭐️
November 24, 2023
This review is being posted as part of the The Orphans On The Train influencer tour organised by Headline.
The Orphans On The Train is the latest gripping historical fiction novel from author Gill Thompson. It is a heart-wrenching story set in war-torn Budapest exploring themes of love, loss, found family, resilience and healing. The narrative is perfectly paced and had me hooked from the very first page, making this a must-read for fans of World War Two historical fiction.
Gill Thompson has an incredible ability to craft compelling stories which perfectly capture the emotions experienced by the characters in a way which truly tugs on the heartstrings of every reader.
The focus of The Orphans On The Train is on the horrific experiences of Jewish people in Hungary during the Second World War. The history of the Holocaust in Hungary tragically isn’t as widely known as that in other countries in Central and Western Europe so it’s fantastic to see this represented within historical fiction in such a powerful and moving way. The history was clearly very well researched and the story is inspired by real events. The author’s afterword is a must-read to find out more about the history behind the book.
Kirsty was a fantastically written character who made a wonderful protagonist. She is only fourteen years old when our story begins in 1939 and we follow her through her teenage years into early adulthood. At every point in the story she felt authentically written as a young person in that era of their life and it was wonderful to see her gradually mature into an incredible courageous young woman. Anna and her brother Endre were also brilliant characters and I thought the portrayal of Endre’s PTSD was incredible. The friendship between Kirsty and Anna was really well written and felt like an authentic teenage friendship. I loved that they found family in each other when they’d both lost everyone else in their lives and the bond this created between them. The central role swimming played in the story was also really impactful as it was powerfully used to help the characters to gradually heal from the tragic losses and trauma they experienced at such young ages.
Overall, The Orphans On The Train is a really powerful and moving novel which had me truly engrossed from cover to cover to the point that I read (and wept) through the story in a single sitting.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in now way influenced by the gifting opportunity
The Orphans On The Train is the latest gripping historical fiction novel from author Gill Thompson. It is a heart-wrenching story set in war-torn Budapest exploring themes of love, loss, found family, resilience and healing. The narrative is perfectly paced and had me hooked from the very first page, making this a must-read for fans of World War Two historical fiction.
Gill Thompson has an incredible ability to craft compelling stories which perfectly capture the emotions experienced by the characters in a way which truly tugs on the heartstrings of every reader.
The focus of The Orphans On The Train is on the horrific experiences of Jewish people in Hungary during the Second World War. The history of the Holocaust in Hungary tragically isn’t as widely known as that in other countries in Central and Western Europe so it’s fantastic to see this represented within historical fiction in such a powerful and moving way. The history was clearly very well researched and the story is inspired by real events. The author’s afterword is a must-read to find out more about the history behind the book.
Kirsty was a fantastically written character who made a wonderful protagonist. She is only fourteen years old when our story begins in 1939 and we follow her through her teenage years into early adulthood. At every point in the story she felt authentically written as a young person in that era of their life and it was wonderful to see her gradually mature into an incredible courageous young woman. Anna and her brother Endre were also brilliant characters and I thought the portrayal of Endre’s PTSD was incredible. The friendship between Kirsty and Anna was really well written and felt like an authentic teenage friendship. I loved that they found family in each other when they’d both lost everyone else in their lives and the bond this created between them. The central role swimming played in the story was also really impactful as it was powerfully used to help the characters to gradually heal from the tragic losses and trauma they experienced at such young ages.
Overall, The Orphans On The Train is a really powerful and moving novel which had me truly engrossed from cover to cover to the point that I read (and wept) through the story in a single sitting.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in now way influenced by the gifting opportunity
November 27, 2023
This was another really interesting historical fiction story. The story begins in Scotland at the beginning of WWII when Kirsty becomes an orphan. Soon she meets a Scottish missionary who is headmistress at a school in Hungary and who is looking for a cook assistant. With no way to take care of herself and no one to take care of her, she decides to head to Hungar. There Kirsty begins to heal as learns the language she cooks and gets to know the headmistress whom she bonds with as as she is also a Scottish orphan. She also becomes the best of friends with Anna one of the Jewish students. When Kristy arrives Hungary is neutral, but as the war goes on life becomes more and more difficult for the Jewish families and for those that support them. Once the Germans invade Hungary the girls, Anna and Kirsty are on their own as they fight to survive and stay one step ahead of the Nazis and the Arrow Cross Movement. Will they survive the war?
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this story. I learned a lot about Hungary's role in WWII. I loved the characters, the headmistress Jean was kind, warm, and sympathetic to all of the students as they worried about their families and what the future would hold for them. She was a wonderful role model. Kirsty, was brave and strong as she dealt with her grief as an orphan and supported the students as a cook at the school. I loved her friendship with Anna and how they both worked together to stay safe during the war. Kristy loved to swim which played a role as the story progressed. The author also touched on post-war Hungary, when it fell to the Russians and was a communist country until the wall fell. At the end of the story the writer shares who the main characters were based on, which I found very interesting. It's definitely a great read for historical fiction fans.
Thanks to Netgalley, Headline, and the author for an ARC of this book.
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this story. I learned a lot about Hungary's role in WWII. I loved the characters, the headmistress Jean was kind, warm, and sympathetic to all of the students as they worried about their families and what the future would hold for them. She was a wonderful role model. Kirsty, was brave and strong as she dealt with her grief as an orphan and supported the students as a cook at the school. I loved her friendship with Anna and how they both worked together to stay safe during the war. Kristy loved to swim which played a role as the story progressed. The author also touched on post-war Hungary, when it fell to the Russians and was a communist country until the wall fell. At the end of the story the writer shares who the main characters were based on, which I found very interesting. It's definitely a great read for historical fiction fans.
Thanks to Netgalley, Headline, and the author for an ARC of this book.
October 25, 2023
I have read all Gill’s books. I first met her when I was a learning support assistant and she was an inspirational teacher of English. I was aware of Gill’s ambition to write a novel. Whilst I had every confidence that she would succeed, I bought her first book ‘The Oceans Between Us’ out of a desire to support someone for whom I had great respect rather than in anticipation of being overwhelmed by her abilities as a writer, but overwhelmed I was.
That first book was thoroughly enjoyable, as have been all the others. ‘The Orphans on the Train’ is, however, a quantum leap, in my layman’s opinion.
A great deal of research has gone into the terrible privations Hungarian Jews suffered during World War ll and, having recently visited Budapest and experienced the extraordinary atmosphere in its wonderful synagogue and seen the ‘Shoe’ memorial, I can say that it really is a first rate historical novel which brings to life those terrible times.
The characters are well drawn and provoke genuine feelings of sympathy and antipathy - always a test of a good book for me.
The story is full of detailed background yet remains pacy. I am usually a slow reader but, this afternoon, I just had to finish the last 25%, as the conclusion was in sight. The tension and drama were maintained until the very end and, as I am a sentimentalist at heart, I was very pleased with how life turned out for the three main characters. It ticked all my boxes, hence my five star rating.
I can’t wait for Gill’s next book!
That first book was thoroughly enjoyable, as have been all the others. ‘The Orphans on the Train’ is, however, a quantum leap, in my layman’s opinion.
A great deal of research has gone into the terrible privations Hungarian Jews suffered during World War ll and, having recently visited Budapest and experienced the extraordinary atmosphere in its wonderful synagogue and seen the ‘Shoe’ memorial, I can say that it really is a first rate historical novel which brings to life those terrible times.
The characters are well drawn and provoke genuine feelings of sympathy and antipathy - always a test of a good book for me.
The story is full of detailed background yet remains pacy. I am usually a slow reader but, this afternoon, I just had to finish the last 25%, as the conclusion was in sight. The tension and drama were maintained until the very end and, as I am a sentimentalist at heart, I was very pleased with how life turned out for the three main characters. It ticked all my boxes, hence my five star rating.
I can’t wait for Gill’s next book!
April 21, 2025
The Orphans On the Train - Gill Thompson
This story was inspired by true events takes us to Scotland in the late 1930s. Kirsty McClean was just 14 when her father had lost his life in the coal mines. She was taken in briefly by Maggie who had taught her how to cook and to help with her father’s funeral. Kirsty had met Jean Matheson while she was at church and heard she was looking for a cook for her school in Budapest, Hungry.
At the girls school Kirsty had made a new friend and had learned a new language. Both Anna and Jean had both welcome Kirsy into their lives after her father’s death . Anna invited Kirsty to spend time with her family. Endre, Anna’s brother whom Kirsty later developed a love for each other during this time. Kirsy was at Anna’s side when the Jewish people were being herded onto trains for Poland.
After the war both Endre and Kirsty wanted a fresh start and made their way back to Scotland to Kirsty’s village. They had stayed with Maggie for a year. Endre works as an assistant in a jewelry store and Kirsty became a swim coach. Anna had stayed in Hungary and swam for the Russian Olympic Team.
Anna wanted to leave Russia since it was a Communist country and the Jews were being targeted again. Kirsty had hatched a plan to get Anna out of the country heading to Scotland for FREEDOM,
I loved this novel. This was about love for family, friendship, loss of loved ones and courage and surviving a holocaust of a culture and religion.
This story was inspired by true events takes us to Scotland in the late 1930s. Kirsty McClean was just 14 when her father had lost his life in the coal mines. She was taken in briefly by Maggie who had taught her how to cook and to help with her father’s funeral. Kirsty had met Jean Matheson while she was at church and heard she was looking for a cook for her school in Budapest, Hungry.
At the girls school Kirsty had made a new friend and had learned a new language. Both Anna and Jean had both welcome Kirsy into their lives after her father’s death . Anna invited Kirsty to spend time with her family. Endre, Anna’s brother whom Kirsty later developed a love for each other during this time. Kirsy was at Anna’s side when the Jewish people were being herded onto trains for Poland.
After the war both Endre and Kirsty wanted a fresh start and made their way back to Scotland to Kirsty’s village. They had stayed with Maggie for a year. Endre works as an assistant in a jewelry store and Kirsty became a swim coach. Anna had stayed in Hungary and swam for the Russian Olympic Team.
Anna wanted to leave Russia since it was a Communist country and the Jews were being targeted again. Kirsty had hatched a plan to get Anna out of the country heading to Scotland for FREEDOM,
I loved this novel. This was about love for family, friendship, loss of loved ones and courage and surviving a holocaust of a culture and religion.
January 1, 2024
This is a well-written, inspiring story with characters who will touch your heart. Much of the story is based on actual characters and events and provides unique insight into the location and time period in history.
Kirsty, the main character, knows loss - she lost her mother at 4 years of age and then loses her father in a mining accident when she is 14 years old. A neighbor, Maggie, takes Kristy in for a short period of time and provides Kirsty with some much-needed guidance and support to help her get through some truly difficult times.
Eventually, Kirsty, who is too young to live on her own, takes a job as a cook's assistant in Budapest Hungry - a school for Jewish and Christian girls. While at the school, she develops a unique bond with Jean, the school matron and a friendship with Anna, a Jewish girl. The school and these relationships are influenced and impacted by WWII and in particular, the treatment of Jews.
Despite all of the challenges faced by Kirsty, she is a brave and honorable person, who is willing to be loyal to her friends and do what is right despite extremely frightening circumstances.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Kirsty, the main character, knows loss - she lost her mother at 4 years of age and then loses her father in a mining accident when she is 14 years old. A neighbor, Maggie, takes Kristy in for a short period of time and provides Kirsty with some much-needed guidance and support to help her get through some truly difficult times.
Eventually, Kirsty, who is too young to live on her own, takes a job as a cook's assistant in Budapest Hungry - a school for Jewish and Christian girls. While at the school, she develops a unique bond with Jean, the school matron and a friendship with Anna, a Jewish girl. The school and these relationships are influenced and impacted by WWII and in particular, the treatment of Jews.
Despite all of the challenges faced by Kirsty, she is a brave and honorable person, who is willing to be loyal to her friends and do what is right despite extremely frightening circumstances.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 21, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for an ebook ARC of this book in exchange for this honest review.
From the very beginning I loved this book. The author draws you in with the typical language, the description, the heartache. The book was an emotional rollercoaster, the reader being taken through the heartache of Kirsty losing her father so suddenly; her life being turned upside down; the hope of a better life for her as she moves away to Budapest, being guided and looked after by her wonderful role model Jean; the beautiful friendship that was created between two young girls who didn't speak the same language but kept each other strong; the horrors they lived through during the war whilst in Budapest. A constant back and forth of moments that made me smile and moments that made my heart race and worry for the characters I was totally invested in.
This was my first book from this author and I couldn't put it down. Even when I wasn't reading it, it crossed my mind. If I could give more than 5⭐ I would. A must read.
From the very beginning I loved this book. The author draws you in with the typical language, the description, the heartache. The book was an emotional rollercoaster, the reader being taken through the heartache of Kirsty losing her father so suddenly; her life being turned upside down; the hope of a better life for her as she moves away to Budapest, being guided and looked after by her wonderful role model Jean; the beautiful friendship that was created between two young girls who didn't speak the same language but kept each other strong; the horrors they lived through during the war whilst in Budapest. A constant back and forth of moments that made me smile and moments that made my heart race and worry for the characters I was totally invested in.
This was my first book from this author and I couldn't put it down. Even when I wasn't reading it, it crossed my mind. If I could give more than 5⭐ I would. A must read.
July 29, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, Headline Publishing and the author Gill Thompson for this eARC
All in all I liked The Orphans on the Train.
I like that it takes us to Budapest instead of Germany or Poland like most WWII historical fiction does. And love that it is inspired by real people & their stories.
It touches on some very important topics not only relevant to the past or wartimes - from family, friendship and loyalty to endurance, forgiveness and finding your own way.
But, and this is the big but - it feels so, so young.
The writing, the characters, everything about this book feels like it‘s intended for younger audiences.
If this was advertised as upper middle grade, or lower young adult to introduce kids to the topic it would be amazing.
As it stands, as adult fiction I‘m missing subtleties, finesse in the writing and fleshing out the characters.
I would also have loved a dual pov, so that we get more insight into Anna - her life, her family and especially her feelings and thoughts!
All in all I liked The Orphans on the Train.
I like that it takes us to Budapest instead of Germany or Poland like most WWII historical fiction does. And love that it is inspired by real people & their stories.
It touches on some very important topics not only relevant to the past or wartimes - from family, friendship and loyalty to endurance, forgiveness and finding your own way.
But, and this is the big but - it feels so, so young.
The writing, the characters, everything about this book feels like it‘s intended for younger audiences.
If this was advertised as upper middle grade, or lower young adult to introduce kids to the topic it would be amazing.
As it stands, as adult fiction I‘m missing subtleties, finesse in the writing and fleshing out the characters.
I would also have loved a dual pov, so that we get more insight into Anna - her life, her family and especially her feelings and thoughts!
November 15, 2023
Gill Thompson has done it again - created a memorable, heart-rending story of courage and hope in one of the darkest periods of human history. In The Orphans of the Train we meet Kristy McClean, who is orphaned at 14 and leaves the Scottish hills to take a position as a cook's assistant at a school for young women in Budapast, despite the rumblings of war. Traveling the day after Germany invaded Poland she takes comfort in the fact that Hungary has made an alliance with Germany, so will be safe. This beautifully written tale follows Kristy as she develops friendships, confronts dangers, finds love, suffers heartaches, and ... ultimately, triumphs. I heartily recommend the emotional roller-coaster ride the author takes us on! #TheOrphansontheTrain #NetGalley
March 26, 2024
This was a really good read.I love Gills books and was not disappointed.I particularly liked the fact that this book covered a lot of time leading up to the war which was very interesting.seeing how people lived and prepared for the inevitable.It was a real shame that some of the main characters didn't make it but that's real life unfortunately and not everyone had happy endings.I was particularly incensed by the fact that people could take over the Jews homes and property and they never got them back.Altogether a very interesting and at times gripping read.It was very harrowing at times but the story about how the Jews suffered in the war needs to be told again and again so that people never forget.
November 22, 2023
The Orphans on the Train is based on a true story of friendship between a Scottish girl and a Hungarian Jewish teenager.
After the death of her father, Kirsty finds herself moving from Scotland to Hungary to work in a school for Christian and Jewish children. Here she meets Anna, a Hungarian Jew. As war closes in, can Kirsty and Anna find a way to survive the atrocities?
A moving and thought provoking novel. I found the ending a little rushed, but a well researched piece of historical writing nonetheless.
After the death of her father, Kirsty finds herself moving from Scotland to Hungary to work in a school for Christian and Jewish children. Here she meets Anna, a Hungarian Jew. As war closes in, can Kirsty and Anna find a way to survive the atrocities?
A moving and thought provoking novel. I found the ending a little rushed, but a well researched piece of historical writing nonetheless.
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