#14: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
14. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen:
An interesting look at the life of members of a Depression-era traveling circus. The story revolves around Jacob, a Cornell trained veterinary student who drops out suddenly before his final exams after the loss of his parents and joins a circus traveling by train across the country. The story is split into two perspectives: the current story of 90 something year Jacob, now suffering from dementia (and struggling with the loss of his dignity) in an assisted living facility, recounting his youth as the circus veterinarian in flashbacks. Overall, I enjoyed the book. It is obvious that Sara Gruen put a great deal of research into circus life, which I found fascinating. I had an extremely difficult time reading about the animal abuse, although perhaps this was necessary within the plot to enhance the reader's hatred for August and Uncle Al (as if the redlighting was not enough!). My biggest criticism: I did not like the ending at all. Without being a spoiler, I will just say that it was completely unbelievable and contrived. But overall, a good and quick read. Rosie the elephant was, without a doubt, my favorite character.
An interesting look at the life of members of a Depression-era traveling circus. The story revolves around Jacob, a Cornell trained veterinary student who drops out suddenly before his final exams after the loss of his parents and joins a circus traveling by train across the country. The story is split into two perspectives: the current story of 90 something year Jacob, now suffering from dementia (and struggling with the loss of his dignity) in an assisted living facility, recounting his youth as the circus veterinarian in flashbacks. Overall, I enjoyed the book. It is obvious that Sara Gruen put a great deal of research into circus life, which I found fascinating. I had an extremely difficult time reading about the animal abuse, although perhaps this was necessary within the plot to enhance the reader's hatred for August and Uncle Al (as if the redlighting was not enough!). My biggest criticism: I did not like the ending at all. Without being a spoiler, I will just say that it was completely unbelievable and contrived. But overall, a good and quick read. Rosie the elephant was, without a doubt, my favorite character.