Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is the story of Jacob Jankowski, told as a series of flashbacks, while living inside a nursing home.
Jacob is in his final year of veterinary school at Cornell University when he receives the news that his parents have been killed in a car accident. Returning home for the funeral, Jacob discovers that his father’s veterinary practice – which he planned on joining after graduation – is mortgaged to the hilt and now owned by the bank, as is the family home. Having nowhere else to go, Jacob returns to Cornell, but is too grief-stricken and flees in the middle of the final exam. Hopping a train, Jacob finds himself in the midst of working men on the Benzini Brothers Greatest Show on Earth, a train circus. His knowledge of veterinary science earns him a place on the show.
Jacob meets August and Marlena, a married couple on the show. August is in charge of the menagerie; Marlena is a performer. Jacob becomes friends with the couple, and soon discovers that their marriage is less than happy. Jacob falls for Marlena, and the ripple of consequences begin.
Sara Gruen has written a novel full of descriptions of circus life, with the most unique characters, from the chillingly evil August to the feisty dwarf Walter and his beloved dog, Queenie. Gruen’s love of animals also comes through, especially in the elephant, Rosie.
I loved this book, from it’s beginning to it’s ending. Highly recommended.
