Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book


Meet Jacob Jankowski. He may be ninety, or he may be ninety-three...he is not sure, but that is beside the point. Currently, he lives in a nursing home that he hates. However, he has his seventy year old memories to remind him of the past... After his parents are killed in a car accident in the 1930s, Jacob, then in his early twenties, drops out of veterinary school and eventually joins the Benzini Brothers circus. He works in deplorable conditions and meets some "colorful" characters. Then, he falls in love with Marlena, whose husband's cruelty only adds to Jacob's desire to run away from the circus. Gruen's use of circus terminology and her obvious extensive research make the entire circus world come to life.

Wow! What a book! There are few books out there that I have completely fallen in love with, that make me want to read more about the subject. This is one of them. As someone who did not really like the circus as a child, I was a little hesitant to read the book. But, after reading great reviews, I could not resist. I am very glad I read it. Gruen, through Jacob's voice, transported me back to the early 1900s. Her words, or should I say Jacob's words, completely captured my imagination. Water for Elephants made me want to learn more about historical circuses. I guarantee you will like this book too!!

Reviewed by Jessica