Book Review for: Water for Elephants
Written by Sara Gruen
ISBN: 978-1-56512-499-8
Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
Avail as: ebook & print
5 Stars
Gruen pens an all-encompassing story of intrigue,
heartbreak, and hope with "Water for Elephants." It's 1931 and Jacob
Jankowski is preparing to take his final exams in veterinary science when he
receives the shock of his life – his parents were killed in a traffic accident.
With no home to go to, he travels the rails until he hops onto a circus train.
Camel Joe takes Jacob under his wing and ensures the young
man gets a job. Jacob soon becomes the vet for the animals, but it's his
interactions with August, Uncle Al, and Marlena that challenge his convictions.
When Rose the elephant joins the circus, Jacob is put to the test. Will he
follow his heart and stand up for his beliefs or walk away?
Gruen's writing is easy to read. She's done her research and
it shows. I especially liked how she used pictures to frame each chapter. The
storyline is interesting. Jacob is coming-of-age and has to make decisions that
aren't easy. The story alternates between old Jacob and young Jacob, and while
not linear, Gruen pulls on the reader's heartstrings with the challenges old
Jacob faces. When a modern circus
comes to the assisted living facility, old Jacob feels the tug of circus life,
bringing the story full circle.
For me, the best part was going on the emotional journey
with the characters. They are very real with strengths and weaknesses that
touch the reader's emotional core. The supporting cast is just as endearing.
The book's plot is original and interesting. The setting is
American circus life in 1931 and Gruen does a wonderful job making the reader
believe the authenticity of the setting.
The novel is mainstream fiction and while I was a bit hesitant
to initially read a story about a circus, Gruen quickly sold me on the novel. I
couldn't put the book down. "Water for Elephants" will resonate with
readers long after they've finished it. I highly recommend this book.
