Water for Elephants

An atmospheric, gritty, and compelling novel of star-crossed lovers, set in the circus world circa 1932, by the bestselling author of "Riding Lessons." "Gritty, sensual and charged with dark secrets involving love, murder and a majestic, mute heroine (Rosie the Elephant)."Q"Parade."

Title: Water for Elephants
Author: Sara Gruen
Published: May 1st 2007
Where to buy: Barnes and Noble, Amazon


Review: 


Water for Elephants is an interesting read. I would not say it is mind blowing or that it changes your life, but it is a good filler for your time and you will enjoy it while you read it. I felt that the end left me hanging, I would have liked to have gotten more finality about everyone and everything and exactly what happened to everyone in the end. 

This book revolves around a Circus in the 1930's. Our main character, Jacob (he is not a werewolf by the way) is a stand up kind of guy that comes from a good modest family. When he loses everything important to him, he runs away and ends up as a veterinarian for a traveling circus. 

He falls in love with his bosses wife and slowly but surely she returns his feelings. Their romance is odd, you never really know what to expect and you really do not think things are going to happen the way they do. There are no pauses where the character is thinking in his head oh I want to kiss her so bad, I am staring at her lips...and they are kissing. Sara Gruen really cuts straight to the point. 

My favorite character by all means is Rosie. She is the most intelligent and funny character that really doesn't need to speak to make her remarkable. She had me in love with her from the moment she joined the Benzi Brothers Circus act. 

The beginning, started off with a scene that is to come very near the end of the book. I liked how Gruen did this because it really gripped me into the story. It had my eyes bursting out of their sockets unable to read the words fast enough.

The story goes back and forth from the 93 year old Jacob's mind to the 23 year old Jacob. The 93 year old Jacob never mentions Marlena which I thought was weird and confused me some. I was sure it was because they did not want to give anything away but even after the surprises are revealed there really is not a lot of her being mentioned. This was really the only thing that disappointed me, I was given an open ending, which I am more than happy to fill for myself, but it just feels like I finished a 1000 pieces puzzle and there is one piece missing.


Overall, this is a great book to add to your shelf. It is one of those novels that can take you back in time, and have you marveling at the differences.


Rating:

Recommended for people who enjoyed:
Memoirs of a Geisha or Million Dollar Baby