Title:
Water for Elephants
Author:
Sara Gruen
Read from the 22nd of April to the 27th of April.
An atmospheric, gritty, and compelling novel of star-crossed lovers, set in the circus world circa 1932, by the bestselling author of Riding Lessons.
When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, grifters, and misfits, a second-rate circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. A veterinary student who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her.
Beautifully written, Water for Elephants is illuminated by a wonderful sense of time and place. It tells a story of a love between two people that overcomes incredible odds in a world in which even love is a luxury that few can afford.
My rating: 4 of 5
My thoughts on the book:
I liked this book, although I wasn't as amazed with it are some other readers. Although I've read really great reviews for it, I still wasn't expecting too much of it, and that was a good thing, because then I probably would've been disappointed. Overall, it's a good book. I have to admit that I didn't really connected with the characters & their romance, but I still enjoyed the book a lot. I especially liked the insight in the circus life. The author did a great job in that aspect. I recommend it.
Challenges:
First book I read on my nook and it was a great story. Learning the circus lingo was interesting and how they lived in the 1930's. The characters all interesting and the reader can find at least one to identify with. The animals alone are great characters to read about, especially the elephant. Is a must read for any animal lover.
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