Title:
Water for Elephants
Author: Sara Gruen
Publisher: Algonquin Books, 2006
Pages: 297
Genre: Historical Fiction
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.
Wow! Now that is what I call a
great book! I absolutely love this novel. I love the characters, the writing,
and the story, everything about it. I even love to hate the villain. I
especially love Jacob Jankowski. He is just a really great leading man. He
loses everything, lives through one of the toughest times in American history,
and still leads an extraordinary life.
This book is set during the Great
Depression. Jacob is a young veterinary student who is forced into the circus
due to his financial situation. Here he learns all about life and love and yes,
elephants. I really enjoyed the style the author chose to use. She wrote it as
the memoir of an old man. Jacob Jankowski is waiting for his family to show up
so they can visit the circus that has set up directly across the street from
his nursing home. While he is waiting, he reminisces on his days in the circus.
I think Gruen did a superb job in painting a picture of what life was like
during the Depression. Not that I was there, so I guess it’s more that I like
the picture she painted of life during the Depression. It’s seedy and for lack
of a better word, depressing, but still people found ways to be entertained and
persevere.
Of course, I’m a romantic, so I’m
obsessed with the love story in this book. It reeks of forbidden fruit and love
conquers all and all of that. There’s betrayal, passion, and an underlying
innocence (maybe purity is what I’m looking for) as well. It’s deliciously
dichotic.
And then there’s Rosie. Sweet,
sweet Rosie. If I ever have an elephant (Which is totally possible and not at
all ridiculous!) I want her to be Polish and adorable just like Rosie!!! Yes,
yes I’m well aware that there are no elephants in Poland, minus the zoos. But
just read the book, and you will understand. No really, read the book. You will
not regret it!
Ratings
Cover: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Individuality: 5/5
The Whole Shebang: 4.4/5
