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Review:
In the grand tradition of "Little Big Man" and the "Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman," comes another novel masked as the reminiscences of an aged senior, "Water for Elephants." This time the story concerns adventures on a depression era circus. Raise your hand if this is a topic familiar to you.

Me neither.

As a novel this is very much your standard boy meets girl story replete with innumerable obstacles in the way of their finding happiness (in this case the principle obstruction being a totally detestable husband). It has the requisite action scenes and plenty of colorful characters of various size and species. Pretty pedestrian stuff.

But it is the setting that...well, sets this story apart.

Gruen wonderfully recreates America during the depression, especially the hungry desperation that gripped so many Americans. However her real success is introducing 21st century readers to circus life in the 1930s. Then it was a scandal, today it is a fascinating backdrop to a story. Cruelty born of greed and sadism play a significant part as both humans and animals suffer beatings and neglect. The show must go on, profits must be made and base human desires must be satisfied.

We meet our hero in present day residing in a retirement home as a modern day circus comes to town. Courtesy of his memory we are transported back to the time many years ago when on the eve of graduating from veterinary school he learns of his parents' tragic deaths. Penniless and panicked, he takes to the open road eventually jumping a circus train where he is hired as the resident veterinarian.

Conclusion: Here this very usual story plays out in this very unusual time and place. "Water for Elephants" is a fun, fast if not particularly challenging story but as historical fiction it is revelation, shocking, entertaining and recommended reading.

Where to buy:
This book and other bestsellers are on sale now on Amazon