Water for Elephants: A Novel

Author: Sara Gruen
ISBN: 1565125606
Manufacturer: Algonquin Books
Customer Rating:

, based on 1520 reviews

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Editorial Review:

As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.

Customer Reviews:

Circa Circus

Running away to the Circus is at the epicenter of this great adventure and I delighted in every page. The writing creates rich images of tastes, smells, senses and life on the road during the depression, interspersed with the realities of the cruel way Circus animals were once treated.
The work of a great story teller and I believed every word.

2008-12-02

Excellent Read

Could not put this book down. Eye opening and very well written. A must read for all book lovers.

2008-12-01

Excellent, engaging book

I've taught this book several time to college-aged (and older) students, virtually all of whom have fallen in love with the story. For teachers, I recommend it because there's also so much to talk about (historicity, identity, etc.), and because it's such a "pleasant" read, the students tend to get excited and bring much to this well-written, engaging text. Highly recommended for readers and for teachers.

2008-12-01

What the circus was really like, way back when

This book was enchanting. Immediately you become under it's spell from the first words. The mystery, history, action, and love stories of the circus all wrapped up in one.

The story is about Jacob Jankowski, the circus vet. Under tragic circumstances, he joins a second rated circus and becomes entangled into all their lives, whether he wants to or not. Bouncing between his current status, which is in a nursing home at the age of 93 or 99 (he's not sure) and his circus life, there is a mystery deep in the heart of it.

2008-11-30

Magical

What a great story. The book is very beautifully written with words that make you feel like your there. It is engaging at every turn of the page. Each character is interesting and well developed. This is a fairly quick read and you will be so engaged in the most spectacular show you wont want to put it down.

2008-11-29

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