When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, grifters, and misfits -- the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth -- a second-rate travelling circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. Jacob, a veterinary student who almost earned his degree, is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her. WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is illuminated by a wonderful sense of time and place. It tells a story of a love between two people that overcomes incredible odds in a world in which even love is a luxury that few can afford.
[b:Water for Elephants|43641|Water for Elephants|Sara Gruen|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170161179s/43641.jpg|3441236] is strangely enjoyable. The story drew me in when I wasn't looking. Probably because the world is so authentic and well crafted. It's a little like Carnivale in that it almost doesn't matter what's happening because you're just a little fascinated just being there. It's a dirty, beautiful sort of world.
And once you fall into this world there's very much the sense of having jumped on a train and gotten caught up in these characters. I didn't love any of the characters the way I sometimes love a character. But I liked their story and I liked the sense of history and nostalgia it had by being told from Jacob's 93 year old point of view.
I would have preferred if the sex wasn't quite so blunt and graphic.
