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47 pages 1 hour read

Water for Elephants

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

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Book Brief

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Sara Gruen

Water for Elephants

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • 1930s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

730L

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Super Short Summary

In Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, Jacob Jankowski, an elderly man in a nursing home, reminisces about his youth when he joined the Benzini Brothers' circus during the Great Depression. As the circus veterinarian, he navigates complex relationships, develops a bond with an elephant named Rosie, and falls in love with Marlena, a performer trapped in an abusive marriage. The narrative explores circus life, love, and survival. This novel depicts sexual acts, violence, and characters with physical or mental health conditions.

Romantic

Emotional

Adventurous

Bittersweet

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.3

1,655,392 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is celebrated for its vivid historical setting and well-researched depiction of Depression-era circus life. Readers appreciate the engrossing plot and the depth of its characters. Some critique the pacing and predictability of the story. Despite minor flaws, it's a compelling and emotionally resonant novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Water for Elephants?

A reader who would enjoy Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is typically drawn to historical fiction with a strong emotional core. Fans of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern or The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, who appreciate richly detailed settings, complex characters, and gripping plots, will likely relish this novel.

4.3

1,655,392 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • 1930s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

730L

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