47 pages 1 hour read

Sara Gruen

Water for Elephants

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, Jacob Jankowski, an elderly man in a nursing home, reminisces about his youth when he joined the Benzini Brothers' circus during the Great Depression. As the circus veterinarian, he navigates complex relationships, develops a bond with an elephant named Rosie, and falls in love with Marlena, a performer trapped in an abusive marriage. The narrative explores circus life, love, and survival. This novel depicts sexual acts, violence, and characters with physical or mental health conditions.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is celebrated for its vivid historical setting and well-researched depiction of Depression-era circus life. Readers appreciate the engrossing plot and the depth of its characters. Some critique the pacing and predictability of the story. Despite minor flaws, it's a compelling and emotionally resonant novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Water for Elephants?

A reader who would enjoy Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is typically drawn to historical fiction with a strong emotional core. Fans of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern or The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, who appreciate richly detailed settings, complex characters, and gripping plots, will likely relish this novel.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

730L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Romance

Modern Classic Fiction

Period

Great Depression

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Topics

Mental Illness

Trauma / Abuse / Violence

History: World