Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (2006). Summary of the book.

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Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (2006) – A Summary

Overview

Water for Elephants is a best-selling novel by Sara Gruen, published in 2006. The book tells the story of a young veterinary student, Jacob Jankowski, who leaves school to join the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, a circus in the 1930s. The novel follows Jacob as he navigates his new life and discovers the secrets of the circus and its people.

Plot Summary

The story begins with Jacob, an elderly man, as he reflects on his past. He recalls his life as a young man, when he was a veterinary student at Cornell University. When his parents die in a car accident, Jacob abruptly leaves school and joins the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. He is quickly thrown into a world of chaos and violence, as the circus struggles to stay afloat during the Great Depression. Jacob is taken under the wing of August, a cruel but charismatic animal trainer. He also meets Marlena, a beautiful equestrian performer and August’s wife. Jacob finds himself falling for Marlena, and the two soon become lovers.

Jacob also befriends Rosie, an elephant, and forms a strong bond with the animal. He must find a way to keep the circus alive and protect Rosie from August’s cruelty. When August discovers the affair between Jacob and Marlena, he threatens to kill Rosie. Jacob must make a difficult choice between his love for Marlena and his loyalty to Rosie.

Themes and Messages

Water for Elephants explores themes of loyalty, love and hope in the face of adversity. The novel also examines the cruel nature of the circus and its capacity to both delight and destroy. The characters in the novel illustrate the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger. Despite the violence and cruelty of the circus, the novel ultimately conveys a message of hope and the power of love.

Interesting Facts

  • The novel was adapted into a film in 2011, starring Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson and Christoph Waltz.
  • The book was a best-seller in the US, Canada and Europe.
  • It has been translated into 35 languages.
  • The book was awarded the Book Sense Book of the Year award in 2006.

FAQs

Q: What is the plot of Water for Elephants?

A: Water for Elephants tells the story of Jacob Jankowski, a young veterinary student who leaves Cornell University to join the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, a circus in the 1930s. The novel follows Jacob as he navigates his new life and discovers the secrets of the circus and its people.

Q: Who wrote Water for Elephants?

A: Water for Elephants was written by Sara Gruen, and was published in 2006.

Q: What awards did Water for Elephants win?

A: Water for Elephants won the Book Sense Book of the Year award in 2006.

Q: How was Water for Elephants adapted?

A: Water for Elephants was adapted into a film in 2011, starring Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson and Christoph Waltz.

Q: Is Water for Elephants available in other languages?

A: Yes, Water for Elephants has been translated into 35 languages.

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