Water for Elephants

by Sara Gruen
Water for Elephants cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 1557
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781565125858
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2007-05-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Jacob Janowski, a veterinary student on the brink of graduation, finds himself orphaned and penniless. His life takes an unexpected turn when he joins the Benzini Brothers circus, a rickety train filled with misfits and spectacle. As the caretaker of the circus menagerie, Jacob forms a deep bond with Rosie, an untrainable elephant, and Marlena, the captivating equestrian star married to the brutal August. The circus becomes a place of both salvation and peril, where love and trust are the only hopes for survival. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, 'Water for Elephants' is a vivid and heartwrenching tale of human and animal connections. The novel has captivated over 10 million readers worldwide and has been adapted into a major motion picture and a Broadway musical.

Reviews
Baddie Book Reviews · 2024-12-22
touching 4.00

The story is heart-warming but also filled with pain and suffering, mirroring real life. It's a sweet tale that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of its setting.

The reviewer found the book to be a poignant mix of warmth and hardship. They appreciated how the story balanced the sweetness of the love story with the gritty realities of life in a circus. The reviewer noted that the book's ability to evoke strong emotions made it a memorable read. They also highlighted the author's skill in creating a narrative that feels both personal and universal.

Quick quotes

    It's a really sweet heart-warming story that like real life is also filled with pain and suffering between the pages.

    The author does a fantastic job of balancing the sweet and the sour.

    This book will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between.

The ToroGi Chronicles · 2018-04-14
predictable 3.00

The plot is predictable, but the book offers a thrilling romance set against the backdrop of a circus. The themes of animal cruelty add a layer of complexity.

This reviewer found the plot of the book to be a bit predictable, which might be a letdown for some readers. However, they appreciated the thrilling romance that unfolds within the circus setting. The themes of animal cruelty add a layer of complexity and depth to the story, making it more than just a simple romance. They acknowledged that while the plot might not be groundbreaking, the execution and setting make it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    On the downside, the plot was a little predictable.

    Beyond the pandemonium of the circus and animal cruelty, the book was simply a romance story.

    The themes of animal cruelty add a layer of complexity and depth to the story.

The Guardian · 2011-07-04
entertaining 4.50

The book is fun, sweet, and thrilling, pulling readers into the mysterious life of the circus. It's a captivating story that's hard to put down.

This reviewer was thoroughly entertained by the book's blend of fun and thrill. They were drawn into the mysterious and captivating world of the circus, finding the story to be both engaging and immersive. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the way the author wove together elements of romance, adventure, and historical detail. They felt that the book's pacing and storytelling kept them hooked from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    Water for Elephants is fun, sweet and thrilling and will pull you into the mysterious life of the circus so far that you won't want to leave.

    The characters are well-developed and the romance is believable and heartwarming.

    A captivating tale that blends history, romance, and adventure seamlessly.

Goodreads · 2006-05-22
engaging 4.50

The book is beautifully written with a strong sense of time and place, capturing a poignant love story. It's a compelling narrative that blends history and emotion seamlessly.

This reviewer was captivated by the vivid setting and the emotional depth of the story. They appreciated how the author brought the circus world to life, making it feel both magical and harsh. The love story at the heart of the book is particularly moving, and the reviewer found it to be a standout element. Overall, they felt the book was a beautiful blend of historical detail and personal drama.

Quick quotes

    Beautifully written, Water for Elephants is illuminated by a wonderful sense of time and place.

    It tells a story of a love between two people ...

    It's a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

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