Water for Elephants

By: Sara Gruen

Narrated by: David LeDoux, John Randolph Jones

Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

An atmospheric tale of life and love in a Depression-era traveling circus.

Nonagenarian Jacob Jankowski reflects back on his wild and wondrous days with a circus. It's the Depression Era and Jacob, finding himself parentless and penniless, joins the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. There he meets the freaks, grifters, and misfits that populate this world. Jacob introduces us to Marlena, beautiful star of the equestrian act; to August, her charismatic but twisted husband (and the circus' animal trainer); and to Rosie, a seemingly untrainable elephant.

Beautifully written, with a luminous sense of time and place, Water for Elephants tells of love in a world in which love's a luxury few can afford.

©2006 Sara Gruen (P)2006 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

• Book Sense Book of the Year Award, Adult Fiction, 2007
• Audie Award Finalist, Fiction, Unabridged, 2007

" Water for Elephants resembles stealth hits like The Giant's House, by Elizabeth McCracken, or The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold, books that combine outrageously whimsical premises with crowd-pleasing romanticism. . . . With a showman's expert timing, [Gruen] saves a terrific revelation for the final pages, transforming a glimpse of Americana into an enchanting escapist fairy tale.” ( New York Times Book Review)

"Just like a circus, the magic of the story and the writing convince you to suspend your disbelief." ( Booklist)

"Gruen skillfully humanizes the midgets, drunks, rubes, and freaks who populate her book." ( Publishers Weekly)

Water for Elephants

What made the experience of listening to Water for Elephants the most enjoyable?

David LeDoux and John Randolph Jones brought this book to life for me. Excellent actors narrating. I've tried to get into a few audible books that were top best sellers but could not. Reason why? Poor narration primarily because the person

Who was your favorite character and why?

Walter. He befriended Jacob and Camel and was by far the ethical savior for Jacob when he needed it the most.

Which scene was your favorite?

Rose killing August so Jacob wouldn't have to. And all the menagerie of escaping animals surrounding the scene.

If you could rename Water for Elephants, what would you call it?

The title is fine because it leads the reader from the 90 or 93 year old Jacob into his life. The reader understands that the title will reveal itself somewhere in Jacob's life in the circus and is revealed in his relationship with Rose. Full circle also when he becomes her owner.

Any additional comments?

Just a great book. Wondering if I should see the movie. You know, the book is always better.

shocked

I cannot believe I like this book. Based on the title and description I was sure it would be boring, but I loved it. A fun and interesting story that help my attention, which is not easy to do.

Engaging

I was instantly engaged in the characters and the story. I could smell the sawdust and popcorn. It introduced me to a new lifestyle. The ending was a little "off", but not so much to spoil the story.

Gritty and Real

Loved the narration. Both of the narrators did an excellent job. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book but the title enticed me. The story was gritty and real and drew me in. I could not put it down. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves historical romances that are more real than sugar.

Good Though Predictable

This story was very captivating. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the depression era circus, the innocence of the public, and the ability of the characters to manipulate them. The absolute power the depression gave the few over the many was compelling.

The main character was crusty and confused about the present but clear and passionate about his past; much like I imagine it realy is for any person his age and in his situation. The narration was excellent and brought the characters to life. I was very pleased with the ending.

FANTASTIC

My daughter recommented this and I Thank Her!!! She said it will always be one of her favorites and I agree. It will be one of mine that I will listen to again and again.

Great Book

I loved this book! Ecspecially the ending, it was great to read a book that you could close with a smile on your face! So many books these days have sad endings, I loved this one! The characters were entertaining, the story was fabulous.

A Wonder-filled Story

Well read and well written, are the first thoughts I have about this book. The author and the readers capture the experience of the characters and the plot is well done from beginning to end. A story about hope, love, grief and change. I will recommend it to all persons working with the elderly because it illustrates the importance of hearing the the story that every person has to tell.
It will leave you smiling.

Fantastic Book!

What made the experience of listening to Water for Elephants the most enjoyable?

The story was excellent. As a young reader/listener, it provided perspective. Told from an older man's point of view about his life in his 20s, he tells his story from a nursing home. Very good book. I really enjoyed it.

Great story!

What made the experience of listening to Water for Elephants the most enjoyable?

The narrators were great and a perfect match for this story.

What does David LeDoux and John Randolph Jones bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Both narrators have such emotion in their voices. It really makes you feel what the character is going through.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really....just a good story. I'm more of a non-fiction reader but this was still a great story.