Book Club Read: Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants
by Sara Gruen
Published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
Released March 1st, 2011

From Goodreads:


As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.


My Thoughts:


I really enjoyed this novel. There were definitely parts that were hard to read. I saw a bit of my own great-grandfather in the 90 or 93 year old Mr. Janowski. I felt that Sara Gruen did a great job describing the grit and grime of the circus, and the the horrifying realities associated with it. There are tales of animal cruelty that might be hard for some people to read.


I would have liked to see more personality in Marlena's character. I know that it was Jacob's story, told from his point of view. I still would have liked to know more about the woman he was in love with, aside from the fact that she was beautiful. But I know that I have a preference for strong female characters.


I was a little disappointed with the end of the book. I kept hoping for something great. I can think of a few ways I might have rather she wrapped it up.


Aside from the last few pages though, I really did love it. I give it 4 out of 5 cups!