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Historical Fiction · Melancholic

A veterinary student joins a Depression-era circus

Water for Elephants

by Sara Gruen

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2006Easy readSteady pace

What it is about

Jacob Jankowski, a veterinary student who loses everything, joins a traveling circus in the 1930s and falls for the star performer and her husband’s elephant. Gruen’s 2006 novel is narrated by Jacob as an old man.

Who will enjoy it

Readers who enjoy stories set firmly in a real time and place, with a melancholic mood and a steady pace. It is an easy read.

Themes: Circus · Love · Depression

Screen adaptation

Water for Elephants (2011)

See it on Amazon

About the author

Sara Gruen1 book on Tori Books

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