Water for Elephants by Sara GruenMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book follows Jacob Jankowsky in his adventures with the Benzini Brother’s Circus. About thirty percent of the book is Jacob at 93 in the nursing home. I actually enjoyed these passages more than the 23 year old Jacob. The senior Jacob has gems of wisdom and spunk and I was so relieved he didn’t die at the end of the book. Admittedly senior Jankowsky wouldn’t stand on his own and the young Jacob meets colorful characters with some sassy and smart elephants. Gruen works in descriptions of life in America during the Great Depression (and Prohibition). The story is touching, funny and at times upsetting. I’m looking forward to seeing it come to life on the big screen but then again, it surely won’t live up to the novel!
Audio: The audio version of this novel was especially enjoyable because there were two different actors to play Jacob at 23 and Jacob at 93. This took the performance to a whole new level. A warning; there are some racy, borderline erotic passages, along with some cursing, so be sure your toddler is not in the car with you when enjoying the story!
MOVIE UPDATE: I thought the movie was fabulous, and while some of the details were different, the essence of the book was bought to life!
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