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amandasbookreview 's review for:
Water for Elephants
by Sara Gruen
Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen has been sitting on my shelf for years! I am so glad that I have finally read it. This book is the February selection for my book club and we plan to watch the movie in the next couple of weeks.
This book has two storylines. Both are from the point of view of Jacob Jankowski. He is 93 and lives in a nursing home. He is bitter and grieving. When his mind is right, he reminisces on the past. His past takes the readers back to his last few weeks of Vet school. In those last few weeks, his parents are killed in a car accident. Because of the Stock Market Crash, his father worked for free and Jacob was left with nothing. So instead of finishing his final exams, he stumbles across the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. There, he spots the beautiful, Marlena. Because of his veterinary experience, Jacob is hired to join this traveling circus. He is exposed to constant danger and betrayal. When the elephant, Rosie joins the show, Jacob cannot leave. Even though Marlena is married to another, Jacob cannot help but fall for her. Their love is impossible, so is training Rosie. But Jacob does not give up hope in reaching to both of them.
Wow. There are so many emotions throughout this book. First of all, the hero of this story is not Jacob, nor is it Marlena. It is Rosie. She proves that elephants and animals, in general, are beautiful, emotional and understanding creatures. The animal abuse in this story is difficult to read but I believe it necessary. It gives the animals who suffered this cruelty in real life a voice.
The love story is beautiful too. I did love Jacob as the main character. He is kind, caring and loyal. He befriends those who have no one else and stands up for them. Marlena is beautiful and loves her animals more than anything. She is in an abusive relationship. I was hoping that she develope more strength throughout the story. But she is such a gentle soul. These characters are what made this story so great.
I loved learning about this era, and about the traveling circus life. To everyone, it is amazing and glamorous but behind the scenes, it is dirty, unforgiving and dangerous. I could not put this book down.
Overall I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I couldn’t put it down. I felt connected with all the characters, including Rosie. I cannot wait to watch the movie.
This book has two storylines. Both are from the point of view of Jacob Jankowski. He is 93 and lives in a nursing home. He is bitter and grieving. When his mind is right, he reminisces on the past. His past takes the readers back to his last few weeks of Vet school. In those last few weeks, his parents are killed in a car accident. Because of the Stock Market Crash, his father worked for free and Jacob was left with nothing. So instead of finishing his final exams, he stumbles across the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. There, he spots the beautiful, Marlena. Because of his veterinary experience, Jacob is hired to join this traveling circus. He is exposed to constant danger and betrayal. When the elephant, Rosie joins the show, Jacob cannot leave. Even though Marlena is married to another, Jacob cannot help but fall for her. Their love is impossible, so is training Rosie. But Jacob does not give up hope in reaching to both of them.
Wow. There are so many emotions throughout this book. First of all, the hero of this story is not Jacob, nor is it Marlena. It is Rosie. She proves that elephants and animals, in general, are beautiful, emotional and understanding creatures. The animal abuse in this story is difficult to read but I believe it necessary. It gives the animals who suffered this cruelty in real life a voice.
The love story is beautiful too. I did love Jacob as the main character. He is kind, caring and loyal. He befriends those who have no one else and stands up for them. Marlena is beautiful and loves her animals more than anything. She is in an abusive relationship. I was hoping that she develope more strength throughout the story. But she is such a gentle soul. These characters are what made this story so great.
I loved learning about this era, and about the traveling circus life. To everyone, it is amazing and glamorous but behind the scenes, it is dirty, unforgiving and dangerous. I could not put this book down.
Overall I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I couldn’t put it down. I felt connected with all the characters, including Rosie. I cannot wait to watch the movie.