Water for Elephants

About “Water for Elephants”

Jacob Jankowski, now ninety, recalls his time as a young man during the early Depression, when he boarded a run-down train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Circus. A veterinary student on the verge of completing his degree, he was assigned to care for the circus animals. There, he met Marlena, a skilled equestrian married to August, a charming but cruel animal trainer. He also met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was central to the show. A bond formed between Jacob, Marlena, and Rosie, built on trust and affection, which became their means of survival. The story is told through the memories of an elderly Jacob, reflecting on a time that was both a refuge and a struggle. The novel, written by Sara Gruen in 2006, explores themes of love, loyalty, and survival.