water for elephants

The story of Jacob Jankowski's Depression-era experiences with a traveling circus is one that reveals thorough research on the author's part.  She sheds light on the horror and romance that filled one young man's chance encounter with the circus after his parents die and he leaves Cornell just shy of his vet's degree.  

The characters are rich and colorful, layered and intriguing, beautiful and grotesque.  The conditions are squalid, but Jacob's love for Marlena, the enchanting elephant performer, and his friends, keeps him on the train, hoping for a positive outcome. 

My favorite part of Sarah Gruen's book, though, wasn't the circus thread.  I absolutely loved the chapters that reveal present-day Jacob, a 93-year-old man in a nursing home.  He is feisty and crotchety, making for some witty exchanges with the nurse and fellow residents.  I am amazed how well a young author developed an aged character's voice.  I really enjoyed reading this book and even added it to my Netflix queue just to see how it translates on the big screen.