Review: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Through the soft focus of 93 yr old Jacob Jankowski's eyes the reader goes back in time to experience his life in the depression era spent working at the "Benzini Bros. Most Spectacular Show on Earth". A young man at the time, running away from the death of his parents, the pressures of college, and an unsure life ahead, Jacob jumps onto a train.. a circus train. Thus begins this woven tale of good versus evil, forbidden love, the scenes and characters jump off pages. Jacob's vet experience takes him to the animals, as caring as he is with them he is with the other people in the circus. There is great symbolism within this novel matching some of the characters with the animals or the theatrics of the show. I really enjoyed how complex each character was, from August and his charisma and cruelty rolled together to Walter and his tough exterior that hid insecurity and fear. Ms. Gruen's ending let's the reader take off once again with Jacob.



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