The pages of "Water for Elephants" will draw you into the world of the circus through the memories of 90 or 93 (does it really matter when you are that old)year old Jacob Jankowski. The book opens with a day of disaster at the circus and Jacob admitting he kept a secret about that day for over 70 years old. "Water for Elephants" moves between the story of a struggling traveling circus in 1930 to the story of the older Jacob just trying to hold onto his sanity. You can't help but be drawn into Jacob's life, from losing his parents and the veterinary practice his father had... to jumping aboard the Benzini Brothers Circus train and becoming the vet for the circus. The head trainer is a brutal man named August, who abuses animals and the people around him. Jacob begins to care about Marlena, August's wife, and some of the other circus workers and will do just about anything to protect them. Ms. Gruen does an amazing job of re-creating the circus world in this book. You will be drawn into Jacob's world and root for him in his efforts to save Marlena, and Rosie the elephant from August's cruelty.
This video is the trailer for the movie that was created based on "Water for Elephants"
Hardships of the depression time period are expressed throughout the novel. The time Jacob spent in the circus represents his search for his own identity. His affection for animals draws him to Marlena, who also has a love for animals. The forbidden affection between them spreads trouble throughout the rest of the circus. These troubles result in an array of mysteries and surprises that leave the reader unable to put the book down. Answers aren't found until the end of the book, truly making this novel a great read.
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