Sarah Gruen
With yet another gritty, atmospheric and best-selling novel, it is clear why Sara Gruen is one of the hottest authors of 2010. Water for Elephants is a wonderfully written love story taking place in the seedy circus world.
It is obvious that Gruen had done a great deal of research into animal behaviour and it has definitely paid off
As the novel begins, it focuses on the life of Jacob Jankowski, an elderly man living in a retirement home who is plagued with memories when a circus comes into town.
It is through his dreams that the memories from his past come back to haunt him. Penniless and alone, after his parents were killed in a accident, twenty-three year old Jacob jumps onto a nearby train in order to escape his troubles. It is there that he finds himself part of a bizarre group of freaks, misfits and loner. For that train was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, a second rate circus struggling to survive.
After being given a job as an animal doctor, Jacob becomes a hands-on member of the circus, dealing with lion tamers, acrobats, flame throwers and sword swallowers. He also meets Marlena, a beautiful equestrian star and Rosie, an un-trainable elephant who bonds with Jacob immediately.
Jacob tries hard to protect Marlena from August, a jealous, violent and cruel animal trainer, and circus owner Uncle Al, whose quest for fame and glory take over his ability to see any suffering.
It is obvious that Gruen had done a great deal of research into animal behaviour and it has definitely paid off. She clearly knows how animals will react under such conditions and portrays them as sympathetic and gentle creatures.
Throughout this novel, Jacob resides in both worlds, obsessed by his secret past and frustrated with his aging body, branding him helpless inside a nursing home.
Gruen creates a sleazy presence for her circus, capturing the dark, dangerous and mysterious world perfectly. However aspects of Jacob’s world appear magical, enchanting and almost impossible to not want to be part of.
Female First: Jessica Leal