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)

Worth the Credit

This book was extremely enjoyable to listen to. Both narrators did a great job creating the persona of Jacob. Although the main plot line is a love story, the better aspect of the story was a look into how quickly life passes us by and what is important. I downloaded based on reviews that I have read that said it wasn't too sappy and that while it was a love story, it wasn't like a 'chick flick'...which is true.

Fantastic

I bought this book due to the readers reviews. I was not, in any way disappointed. Loved the ending. I, unlike a few of your reviewers, did not see the ending coming so to speak. A lovely surprise. Will read more by the author, gladly! Second favorite book of all time!

An Enjoyable Listen

The use of both young and old readers really did this story justice. It's a great story with very likeable characters. I would recommend this one to anyone.

Superb Novel

Undoubtedly the most heart warming story I have read in years. I admittedly am a romantic and love stories that end "and they all lived happily ever after." This novel comes close to that ending and so wins my favor automatically; however, the story itself was so moving - especially Jacob at 90 (or is it 93)and his observations of nursing home living. I relate to it so very much as I spend every day with my mother who is in a nursing home. Jacob tells it like it is and his reactions are certainly typical in every way - I grew to love him deeply as his story unfolds. I empathized with him and his circumstances every step of the way. I also loved Jacob at 23 and the unfolding story of his true love with all the surprises that it holds. His story too brings the romantic out in me even more. DO NOT PASS this book by -- read it and you will enjoy it, I guarantee.

Gritty and Beautiful

If you could sum up Water for Elephants in three words, what would they be?

Heart-wrenching, powerful, gritty.

Any additional comments?

This is the best story that I have heard or read in a while, and I read constantly. I would highly recommend this title.

Great Listen

Loved it! Suggested it to everyone I know. A must for anyone who ever wanted to run away with the circus.

Excellent in All Ways

I couldn't stop listening. I finished in just a few days. What a great ride, but not for children.

Best Read for 2007

I am amazed how much I love this book since I was hesitant to invest a lot of time on a fictional novel about circus people. Was I surprised to find this novel was packed full of suspense, drama, mystery, survival and romance. The book is so incredible, I could hardly put it down. I like a well rounded story with all the elements of suspense, drama, action, mystery, romance and believable characters, and this one has it all and lots more. Can't remember the last time I read a book that brought real tears to my eyes. Bravo to the author and the wonderful narrators!

Visiting a life unknown

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely, I would highly recommend the book/audio or hard copy (I had both) to anyone. It took me back to the time in my life when where an entire array of paths are set before me & I wonder 'where would I be now if I'd taken another road?' I'm so glad I read it b/f watching the movie. The editing of the movie left the 'salt & spices' out of the recipe.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jacob of course, but Rosie took a close 2nd. How wonderful to be able to runaway to join the circus in your old age, especially for the 2nd time. Rosie's colourful & dark past reminded me of the tapestry of life; the dark threads are as needful in the weaver's skillful hands as the threads of gold & silver . . . I was so grateful to have the story fulfill her entire life & to know she was loved & cared for to the end of it.

What about David LeDoux and John Randolph Jones ’s performance did you like?

Marvelous narrators! I never wondered who I was listening to.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

So many to chose from, but mostly the stampede which is the highlight of the story. The misery of the humans & animals were so delicately interwoven & beautifully balanced.

Any additional comments?

I've always hated circuses w/ their exploitation of human & animal exotics. I honestly didn't think I could even like the story, but I ended up loving it. It's format followed the same pattern as 1 of my other favourite tales, The Notebook.

It gets even better

When I started this audiobook, I had a hard time listening to it, as it deals with old age and nursing homes and I had just lost my grandmother. A friend encouraged me to continue it, and I'm so glad I did. The characters were realistic and endearing... I'm really glad I took the time to listen!