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WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
By: Sara Gruen
An atmospheric, gritty, and compelling novel of star-crossed lovers, set in the circus world circa 1932, by the bestselling author of Riding Lessons.
Algonquin Books
May 2006
335 pages
ISBN: 1565124995
Hardcover
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Historical
When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, drifters, and misfits, a second-rate circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. A veterinary student who almost earned his degree, Jacob 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.
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 that overcomes incredible odds in a world in which even love is a luxury that few can afford.
 Media BuzzDiane Rehm Show - NPR - July 18, 2007
Day To Day - July 5, 2006
Good Morning America - July 3, 2006
Today - June 28, 2006
Early Show - June 13, 2006
AwardsAmerican Bookseller Association, Adult Fiction, March 2007
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