Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Friday, February 15th, 2008 Check the catalog for this item.
This book is well worth the recent hype that it has received. I was prepared not to like it at all, since the subject is a circus during the Depression. Sounded depressing to me. However, it is a very well written, poignant story, which would appeal to men and women alike. It has something for everyone, especially if you’re an animal lover. I found it very interesting that it was written by a woman in a man’s voice, which she accomplished very well.
Set during the Great Depression, Jacob Jankowski’s world had been turned upside down when he became orphaned and homeless at the very time that he was to graduate Veterinary school. As luck would have it, he hopped on board a passing train which just happened to be the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Before he knew it, he was put in charge of taking care of the circus animal menagerie. Amid the strange and sadistic world of this second-rate, down on its luck circus, Jacob falls in love with Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, who is married to the sick, twisted and cruel circus boss. Jacob is determined to protect Marlena and Rosie, the lovable elephant, from her husband’s abusive behavior.