Gill Thompson
The Orphans on the Train
In the darkest hours of war, all they have is hope… and each other
Two orphaned girls are separated in the most heart-wrenching way in this gripping story of loss and friendship, inspired by real events.
1939. A girl with auburn hair looks anxiously out of the train window, watching the mountains of Europe pass by. War is on the horizon at home, and Kirsty finds herself heading to neutral Hungary to help in a school for Jewish children. Little does she know that in leaving everything behind, she is about to find the most precious gift of all – a true friend in school pupil Anna.
1943. When the Nazis invade Budapest, Kirsty and Anna are on their own, and Kirsty worries desperately for her Jewish friend. What lengths must they go to in order to survive, and, when they are separated, can the guiding light of friendship bring them back to each other?
“A powerful, poignant story of survival.” — Kate Hewitt.
“A different aspect of the Second World War to any I’ve read before… both heartbreaking and compelling, yet ultimately uplifting. I loved it.” — Deborah Carr.
“This is a story of amazing courage… an extraordinary novel that has stayed with me long after I turned the final page.” — Carol McGrath.
“Beautiful and evocative… an intelligent, thrilling novel which will stay with me for a long time.” — Louise Morrish.
