50 Books Challenge - # 7: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Title: Water for Elephants
Author: Sara Gruen
Story: Though he may not speak of them, the memories still dwell inside Jacob Jankowski's ninety-something-year-old mind. Memories of himself as a young man, tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Memories of a world filled with freaks and clowns, with wonder and pain and anger and passion; a world with its own narrow, irrational rules, its own way of life, and its own way of death. The world of the circus: to Jacob it was both salvation and a living hell." Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, was there because she fell in love with the wrong man, a handsome circus boss with a wide mean streak. And Rosie the elephant was there because she was the great gray hope, the new act that was going to be the salvation of the circus; the only problem was, Rosie didn't have an act - in fact, she couldn't even follow instructions. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.
Start: february 1st 2011
End: february 6th 2011
Comment: I had a hard time putting it down. I fell in love with Jacob, as a young man in the 1930's and as a crotchety old man. I could understand him, his relationship with Rosie and Marlena and the way he was around August. Especially his bond with Rosie was endeering, touching and truly honest. I also loved the atmosphere in the books. This period of time is very interesting to read about and the wonderous world of circuses is just magical. It was the first time I actually read a book about the circus life. I never heard of Sara Gruen before reading this book, but she's a very talented and promising writer. I think I will read more of her work in the future. I had high expectations for this book and I'm glad the novel got to live up to them. I can definitely recommened this book to everyone. And there's a movie version on the way...
Rating: 5/ 5