Water for Elephants--Sara Gruen

Water for Elephants is a historical novel by Sara Gruen. The novel centers on Jacob Jankowski and his experiences in a travelling circus called The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.

Set during the Great Depression of the 1930s, Water for Elephants tells the story of a young man who leaves his life as a Cornell University veterinary student after losing both his parents in a car accident and jumps onto a train that happens to house the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. After a short confrontation with Blackie, a bouncer that stops stowaways, and Camel (a limp old worker) promising him a job and an audience with Uncle Al (The Ringmaster) Jacob decides to stay aboard the train. Since his parents have died in an automobile accident, and he has not a home to call his own, he decides to remain with the circus. Jacob is employed as the show’s veterinarian and he faces a number of challenges in dealing with the head trainer, August, while also learning how to function in the hierarchy of the circus and falling in love with August's wife, Marlena.

The story is told as a series of memories by Jacob Jankowski, either a ninety or ninety-three-year-old man who lives in a nursing home.

I actually hope that they make this book into a movie. I don't ask that of many books because it usually dosn't do them any justice. But with this one I think they could stick exactly to the book and keep it under 2 1/2 hours. It would be a pretty low budget but excellent film too if I say so myself.

I loved the book...Evie pleases again. The story of Jacob and Marlena and all of the rustabouts and performers were amazing. It felt like I would have been sitting cross legged on the floor listening to one of his amazing stories from back when he was in the circus. And all I can say is "Uncle Al" got exactly what he deserved!