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Water for Elephants  By  cover art

Water for Elephants

By: Sara Gruen
Narrated by: David LeDoux, John Randolph Jones
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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)

What listeners say about Water for Elephants

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    13,821
  • 4 Stars
    5,874
  • 3 Stars
    1,927
  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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Performance
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    9,075
  • 4 Stars
    3,281
  • 3 Stars
    1,255
  • 2 Stars
    339
  • 1 Stars
    215

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Unique setting

*SPOILER ALERT* I struggled with the main character who was at times such a weak person that I failed to understand how she could have fallen for him so quickly other than her husband being such a jerk.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wow! I didn't expect that!h

This was WAY outside the genres I typically enjoy (mysteries, legal thrillers). I wasn't sure I would like it, but I LOVED it! Great narration. More importantly, a great story. I was also delighted with the ending (which was also quite unexpected!).

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

WONDERFUL NARRATION!!

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

The narration of this book really do bring it to life and I feel like it might be hard to follow up because I fear the narration won't be as stellar. The story is so vividly told, with such imagery and emotion. I'm so glad I made this purchase and can't wait to hear the entire story again!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible

Capivating. Incredible story delivered flawlessly! It was impossible to stop listening . The descriptions made you feel like you were there without going over the top. Perfect to the end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

capturvating

What did you love best about Water for Elephants?

sooothing story

What was one of the most memorable moments of Water for Elephants?

thefriendship of the carnies

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

emotion,realizm company

Who was the most memorable character of Water for Elephants and why?

the nursing home , it had a liveness all it's own, not lively but real life

Any additional comments?

i know i can't spell, so don't bother to make fun of me , but then what the heck

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing read!

I read alot of my books while I am running and this book made for great company during some of my 2 hour runs on the weekends. I was completely engrossed by the story... who knew that a story about the circus could be so entertaining?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating !

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. The 2 narrators were awesome! I intended to buy this audio for long drives or flight, and I ended up finishing it so quickly. It's a rich storytelling that anyone can relate to. It makes you ponder upon your priorities in life, as life does pass by quickly. What if I live to be a hundred ? Which memories will I retain ? I enjoyed Memoirs of a Geisha and Kite Runner. I was waiting for something similar - Life and culture. It's A Must read !

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Best ever!

I am a book listener and this was the best. I cannot decribe how this book took me into the world of this carnival and took me forward to the book ending. The only downside that I can mention is the VERY end was a little weak. I was expecting more. Still a five star and more. Love the charactors and the narrators. Both narrators are exellant. So real. Thanks to the author and I hope she provides many more just as good as this one. I look forward to them.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Endearing

A masterful construction of true to life experiences of the 23year old and the
93 year old. I loved the end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I wish all audiobooks were like this

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

Excellent listen - a great example of an audio book that is much more than just the book. It shows how important getting the right voice actor is to making an audio book work. A captivating story told in the most excellent way.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Betty the elephant.

Which scene was your favorite?

Several - in particular where Betty is described as a thinking individual that acts way above that of a normal animal. How it won't listen unless using it's right name, the right language and respect.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I could have, yes.

Any additional comments?

MORE! Please! After having heard so many great books made bad in audio, this was the first time I saw it go from good to great in the audio universe. Great job!

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