Water for Elephants - Softcover
Ninety-something Jacob Jankowski remembers his time in the circus as a young man during the Great Depression, and his friendship with Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, and Rosie, the elephant, who gave them hope, in a new edition timed to coincide with the release of the film adaptation starring Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon. Reprint.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review:
" [This] sprightly tale has a ringmaster's crowd-pleasing pace."
-- "Entertainment Weekly"
" Novelist Gruen unearths a lost world with her rich and surprising portrayal of life in a traveling circus in the '30s. An emotional tale that will please history buffs-- and others." "-- People"
" At its finest, "Water for Elephants" resembles stealth hits like 'The Giant's House, ' by Elizabeth McCracken, or 'The Lovely Bones, ' by Alice Sebold, books that combine outrageously whimsical premises with crowd-pleasing romanticism. . . . Black-and-white photographs of real American circus scenes from the first half of the century are interspersed throughout the novel, and they brilliantly evoke the dignified power contained in the quieter moments of this unusual brotherhood. . . . With a showman's expert timing, [Gruen] saves a terrific revelation for the final pages, transforming a glimpse of Americana into an enchanting escapist fairy tale."
-- "New York Times" Book Review
" You'll get lost in the tatty glamour of Gruen's meticulously researched world, from spangled equestrian pageantry and the sleazy side show to an ill-fated night at a Chicago speak-easy."
-- "Washington Post"
" Gritty, sensual and charged with dark secrets involving love, murder and a majestic, mute heroine (Rosie the Elephant)." -- Parade
" "Water for Elephants" resembles stealth hits like "The Giant's House," by Elizabeth McCracken, or "The Lovely Bones," by Alice Sebold, books that combine outrageously whimsical premises with crowd-pleasing romanticism. . . . With a showman's expert timing, [Gruen] saves a terrific revelation for the final pages, transforming a glimpse of Americana into an enchanting escapist fairy tale." -- The New York Times Book Review
"Has a ringmaster's crowd-pleasing pace" - Entertainment Weekly
"You'll get lost in the tatty glamour of Gruen's meticulously researched world, from spangled equestrian pageantry and the sleazy side show to an ill-fated night at a Chicago speak-easy"
"Lively with historical detail and unexpected turns. . . . Water for Elephants is a rich surprise, a delightful gem springing from a fascinating footnote to history that absolutely deserved to be mined."
--The Denver Post
0;Lively with historical detail and unexpected turns. . . . Water for Elephants is a rich surprise, a delightful gem springing from a fascinating footnote to history that absolutely deserved to be mined.1;
2;The Denver Post
""Water for Elephants" resembles stealth hits like "The Giant's House," by Elizabeth McCracken, or "The Lovely Bones," by Alice Sebold, books that combine outrageously whimsical premises with crowd-pleasing romanticism. . . . With a showman's expert timing, [Gruen] saves a terrific revelation for the final pages, transforming a glimpse of Americana into an enchanting escapist fairy tale."--The New York Times Book Review
When his parents are killed in a traffic accident, Jacob Jankowski hops a train after walking out on his final exams at Cornell, where he had hoped to earn a veterinary degree. The train turns out to be a circus train, and since it's the Depression, when someone with a vet's skills can attach himself to a circus if he's lucky, Jacob soon finds himself involved with the animal acts-specifically with the beautiful young Marlena, the horse rider, and her husband, August. Jacob falls for Marlena immediately, and the ensuing triangle is at the center of this novel, which follows the circus across the states. Jacob learns the ins and outs of circus life, in this case under the rule of the treacherous Uncle Al, who cheats the workers and deals roughly with patrons who complain about blatant false advertising and rip-off exhibits. Jacob and Marlena are attracted to each other, but their relationship is fairly innocent until it becomes clear that August is not merely jealous but dangerously mentally deranged. Old-fashioned and endearing, this is an enjoyable, fast-paced story told by the older Jacob, now in his nineties in a nursing home. From the author of "Riding Lessons"; recommended for all libraries.--Jim Coan, SUNY College at Oneonta "Library Journal "
"For pure story, this colorful, headlong tale of a Depression-era circus simply can't be beat. Heroes, villains, romance, a wild-animal stampede! Big fun from page 1." Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly: "Best & Worst 2007""
"[An] arresting new novel. . . . At its finest, "Water for Elephants" resembles stealth hits like 'The Giant's House, ' by Elizabeth McCracken, or 'The Lovely Bones, ' by Alice Sebold, books that combine outrageously whimsical premises with crowd-pleasing romanticism. . . . Black-and-white photographs of real American circus scenes from the first half of the century are interspersed throughout the novel, and they brilliantly evoke the dignified power contained in the quieter moments of this unusual brotherhood. . . . With a showman's expert timing, [Gruen] saves a terrific revelation for the final pages, transforming a glimpse of Americana into an enchanting escapist fairy tale." "New York Times Book Review " Vibrant . . . gritty, sensual, and charged with dark secrets involving love, murder, and a majestic, mute heroine (Rosie the Elephant). "Parade" Novelist Gruen unearths a lost world with her rich and surprising portrayal of life in a traveling circus in the '30s. An emotional tale that will please history buffs--and others. "People" [This] sprightly tale has a ringmaster's crowd-pleasing pace. "Entertainment Weekly" A compulsive page-turner . . . a fascinating setting and a richly anecdotal story that's enjoyable right up to the final, inevitable revelation. "The Onion" A rich surprise, a delightful gem springing from a fascinating footnote to history that absolutely deserved to be mined. "Denver"" Post" One of the many pleasures of this novel is the opportunity to enter a bizarrely coded and private world with its own laws, superstitions and vocabulary. . . . I couldn't bear to be torn away from it for a single minute. "Chicago"" Tribune" You'll get lost in the tatty glamour of Gruen's meticulously researched world, from spangled equestrian pageantry and the sleazy side show to an ill-fated night at a Chicago speak-easy. "Washington"" Post" "Riveting." "The Toronto Globe and Mail" Life is good for Jacob Jankowski. He s about to graduate from veterinary school and about to bed the girl of his dreams. Then his parents are killed in a car crash, leaving him in the middle of the Great Depression with no home, no family, and no career This lushly romantic novel travels back in forth in time between Jacob s present day in a nursing home and his adventures in the surprisingly harsh world of 1930s circuses just like a circus, the magic of the story and the writing convinces you to suspend your disbelief. "Booklist" Old-fashioned and endearing, this is an enjoyable, fast-paced story. "Library Journal" "Lovely and mesmerizing...genuine talent." "Kirkus Reviews" A "page-turner...Gruen skillfully humanizes the midgets, drunks, rubes and freaks who populate her book." "Publishers Weekly" In this thrilling, romantic story set in a traveling circus in the 1930s, Sara Gruen has a Big Top s worth of vivid characters and an exhilarating narrative that kept me up all night. From the perseverance of a terrier named Queenie, to the charm of Rosie the elephant, this masterpiece of storytelling is a book about what animals can teach people about love. Susan Cheever, author of" My Name Is Bill" "The circus, the Great Depression, a complex elephant, equally complex love, the mists and twists of memory articulated in the utterly winning voice of a very old man who's seen it all these are the irresistible elements of "Water for Elephants." Sara Gruen has written an utterly transporting novel richly full of the stuff of life." Robert Olen Butler "So much more than a tale about a circus, "Water for Elephants" is a compelling journey not only under the big top, but into the protagonist's heart. Sara Gruen uses her talent as a writer to bring that world alive for the reader: I could smell it, taste it, feel every word of it. This is a fiction reader's dream come true." Jeanne Ray, author of "Julie and Romeo Get Lucky" Gorgeous, brilliant, and superbly plotted, "Water for Elephants" swept me into the world of the circus during the Depression and it did not let me go until the very end. I don t think it has let me go even now. Sara Gruen has a voice to rival John Irving s, and I am hopelessly, unabashedly in love with this book. Read it. Joshilyn Jackson, author of "Gods in Alabama" An entirely original, captivating story of finding love in a down-at-the-heels traveling circus in the Great Depression. Sara Gruen writes with great tenderness and breathtaking drama which makes the novel impossible to put down. Stephanie Cowell, author of "Marrying Mozart""
"[An] arresting new novel. . . . At its finest, Water for Elephants resembles stealth hits like 'The Giant's House, ' by Elizabeth McCracken, or 'The Lovely Bones, ' by Alice Sebold, books that combine outrageously whimsical premises with crowd-pleasing romanticism. . . . Black-and-white photographs of real American circus scenes from the first half of the century are interspersed throughout the novel, and they brilliantly evoke the dignified power contained in the quieter moments of this unusual brotherhood. . . . With a showman's expert timing, [Gruen] saves a terrific revelation for the final pages, transforming a glimpse of Americana into an enchanting escapist fairy tale."--New York Times Book Review
"Vibrant . . . gritty, sensual, and charged with dark secrets involving love, murder, and a majestic, mute heroine (Rosie the Elephant)."--Parade
"Novelist Gruen unearths a lost world with her rich and surprising portrayal of life in a traveling circus in the '30s. An emotional tale that will please history buffs--and others."--People
"[This] sprightly tale has a ringmaster's crowd-pleasing pace."--Entertainment Weekly
"A compulsive page-turner . . . a fascinating setting and a richly anecdotal story that's enjoyable right up to the final, inevitable revelation."--The Onion
"A rich surprise, a delightful gem springing from a fascinating footnote to history that absolutely deserved to be mined."--Denver Post
"One of the many pleasures of this novel is the opportunity to enter a bizarrely coded and private world with its own laws, superstitions and vocabulary. . . . I couldn't bear to be torn away from it for a single minute."--Chicago Tribune
"You'll get lost in the tatty glamour of Gruen's meticulously researched world, from spangled equestrian pageantry and the sleazy side show to an ill-fated night at a Chicago speak-easy."--Washington Post
"Riveting." --The Toronto Globe and Mail
"Life is good for Jacob Jankowski. He's about to graduate from veterinary school and about to bed the girl of his dreams. Then his parents are killed in a car crash, leaving him in the middle of the Great Depression with no home, no family, and no career...This lushly romantic novel travels back in forth in time between Jacob's present day in a nursing home and his adventures in the surprisingly harsh world of 1930s circuses...just like a circus, the magic of the story and the writing convinces you to suspend your disbelief."--Booklist
"Old-fashioned and endearing, this is an enjoyable, fast-paced story."--Library Journal
"Lovely and mesmerizing...genuine talent."--Kirkus Reviews
A "page-turner...Gruen skillfully humanizes the midgets, drunks, rubes and freaks who populate her book."--Publishers Weekly
"In this thrilling, romantic story set in a traveling circus in the 1930s, Sara Gruen has a Big Top's worth of vivid characters and an exhilarating narrative that kept me up all night. From the perseverance of a terrier named Queenie, to the charm of Rosie the elephant, this masterpiece of storytelling is a book about what animals can teach people about love." --Susan Cheever, author of My Name Is Bill
"The circus, the Great Depression, a complex elephant, equally complex love, the mists and twists of memory articulated in the utterly winning voice of a very old man who's seen it all--these are the irresistible elements of Water for Elephants. Sara Gruen has written an utterly transporting novel richly full of the stuff of life." --Robert Olen Butler
"So much more than a tale about a circus, Water for Elephants is a compelling journey not only under the big top, but into the protagonist's heart. Sara Gruen uses her talent as a writer to bring that world alive for the reader: I could smell it, taste it, feel every word of it. This is a fiction reader's dream come true." --Jeanne Ray, author of Julie and Romeo Get Lucky
"Gorgeous, brilliant, and superbly plotted, Water for Elephants swept me into the world of the circus during the Depression and it did not let me go until the very end. I don't think it has let me go even now. Sara Gruen has a voice to rival John Irving's, and I am hopelessly, unabashedly in love with this book. Read it." --Joshilyn Jackson, author of Gods in Alabama
"An entirely original, captivating story of finding love in a down-at-the-heels traveling circus in the Great Depression. Sara Gruen writes with great tenderness and breathtaking drama which makes the novel impossible to put down." --Stephanie Cowell, author of Marrying Mozart
"Gritty, sensual and charged with dark secrets involving love, murder and a majestic, mute heroine (Rosie the Elephant)."--Parade
From the Author:
-- "Entertainment Weekly"
" Novelist Gruen unearths a lost world with her rich and surprising portrayal of life in a traveling circus in the '30s. An emotional tale that will please history buffs-- and others." "-- People"
" At its finest, "Water for Elephants" resembles stealth hits like 'The Giant's House, ' by Elizabeth McCracken, or 'The Lovely Bones, ' by Alice Sebold, books that combine outrageously whimsical premises with crowd-pleasing romanticism. . . . Black-and-white photographs of real American circus scenes from the first half of the century are interspersed throughout the novel, and they brilliantly evoke the dignified power contained in the quieter moments of this unusual brotherhood. . . . With a showman's expert timing, [Gruen] saves a terrific revelation for the final pages, transforming a glimpse of Americana into an enchanting escapist fairy tale."
-- "New York Times" Book Review
" You'll get lost in the tatty glamour of Gruen's meticulously researched world, from spangled equestrian pageantry and the sleazy side show to an ill-fated night at a Chicago speak-easy."
-- "Washington Post"
" Gritty, sensual and charged with dark secrets involving love, murder and a majestic, mute heroine (Rosie the Elephant)." -- Parade
" "Water for Elephants" resembles stealth hits like "The Giant's House," by Elizabeth McCracken, or "The Lovely Bones," by Alice Sebold, books that combine outrageously whimsical premises with crowd-pleasing romanticism. . . . With a showman's expert timing, [Gruen] saves a terrific revelation for the final pages, transforming a glimpse of Americana into an enchanting escapist fairy tale." -- The New York Times Book Review
"Has a ringmaster's crowd-pleasing pace" - Entertainment Weekly
"You'll get lost in the tatty glamour of Gruen's meticulously researched world, from spangled equestrian pageantry and the sleazy side show to an ill-fated night at a Chicago speak-easy"
"Lively with historical detail and unexpected turns. . . . Water for Elephants is a rich surprise, a delightful gem springing from a fascinating footnote to history that absolutely deserved to be mined."
--The Denver Post
0;Lively with historical detail and unexpected turns. . . . Water for Elephants is a rich surprise, a delightful gem springing from a fascinating footnote to history that absolutely deserved to be mined.1;
2;The Denver Post
""Water for Elephants" resembles stealth hits like "The Giant's House," by Elizabeth McCracken, or "The Lovely Bones," by Alice Sebold, books that combine outrageously whimsical premises with crowd-pleasing romanticism. . . . With a showman's expert timing, [Gruen] saves a terrific revelation for the final pages, transforming a glimpse of Americana into an enchanting escapist fairy tale."--The New York Times Book Review
When his parents are killed in a traffic accident, Jacob Jankowski hops a train after walking out on his final exams at Cornell, where he had hoped to earn a veterinary degree. The train turns out to be a circus train, and since it's the Depression, when someone with a vet's skills can attach himself to a circus if he's lucky, Jacob soon finds himself involved with the animal acts-specifically with the beautiful young Marlena, the horse rider, and her husband, August. Jacob falls for Marlena immediately, and the ensuing triangle is at the center of this novel, which follows the circus across the states. Jacob learns the ins and outs of circus life, in this case under the rule of the treacherous Uncle Al, who cheats the workers and deals roughly with patrons who complain about blatant false advertising and rip-off exhibits. Jacob and Marlena are attracted to each other, but their relationship is fairly innocent until it becomes clear that August is not merely jealous but dangerously mentally deranged. Old-fashioned and endearing, this is an enjoyable, fast-paced story told by the older Jacob, now in his nineties in a nursing home. From the author of "Riding Lessons"; recommended for all libraries.--Jim Coan, SUNY College at Oneonta "Library Journal "
"For pure story, this colorful, headlong tale of a Depression-era circus simply can't be beat. Heroes, villains, romance, a wild-animal stampede! Big fun from page 1." Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly: "Best & Worst 2007""
"[An] arresting new novel. . . . At its finest, "Water for Elephants" resembles stealth hits like 'The Giant's House, ' by Elizabeth McCracken, or 'The Lovely Bones, ' by Alice Sebold, books that combine outrageously whimsical premises with crowd-pleasing romanticism. . . . Black-and-white photographs of real American circus scenes from the first half of the century are interspersed throughout the novel, and they brilliantly evoke the dignified power contained in the quieter moments of this unusual brotherhood. . . . With a showman's expert timing, [Gruen] saves a terrific revelation for the final pages, transforming a glimpse of Americana into an enchanting escapist fairy tale." "New York Times Book Review " Vibrant . . . gritty, sensual, and charged with dark secrets involving love, murder, and a majestic, mute heroine (Rosie the Elephant). "Parade" Novelist Gruen unearths a lost world with her rich and surprising portrayal of life in a traveling circus in the '30s. An emotional tale that will please history buffs--and others. "People" [This] sprightly tale has a ringmaster's crowd-pleasing pace. "Entertainment Weekly" A compulsive page-turner . . . a fascinating setting and a richly anecdotal story that's enjoyable right up to the final, inevitable revelation. "The Onion" A rich surprise, a delightful gem springing from a fascinating footnote to history that absolutely deserved to be mined. "Denver"" Post" One of the many pleasures of this novel is the opportunity to enter a bizarrely coded and private world with its own laws, superstitions and vocabulary. . . . I couldn't bear to be torn away from it for a single minute. "Chicago"" Tribune" You'll get lost in the tatty glamour of Gruen's meticulously researched world, from spangled equestrian pageantry and the sleazy side show to an ill-fated night at a Chicago speak-easy. "Washington"" Post" "Riveting." "The Toronto Globe and Mail" Life is good for Jacob Jankowski. He s about to graduate from veterinary school and about to bed the girl of his dreams. Then his parents are killed in a car crash, leaving him in the middle of the Great Depression with no home, no family, and no career This lushly romantic novel travels back in forth in time between Jacob s present day in a nursing home and his adventures in the surprisingly harsh world of 1930s circuses just like a circus, the magic of the story and the writing convinces you to suspend your disbelief. "Booklist" Old-fashioned and endearing, this is an enjoyable, fast-paced story. "Library Journal" "Lovely and mesmerizing...genuine talent." "Kirkus Reviews" A "page-turner...Gruen skillfully humanizes the midgets, drunks, rubes and freaks who populate her book." "Publishers Weekly" In this thrilling, romantic story set in a traveling circus in the 1930s, Sara Gruen has a Big Top s worth of vivid characters and an exhilarating narrative that kept me up all night. From the perseverance of a terrier named Queenie, to the charm of Rosie the elephant, this masterpiece of storytelling is a book about what animals can teach people about love. Susan Cheever, author of" My Name Is Bill" "The circus, the Great Depression, a complex elephant, equally complex love, the mists and twists of memory articulated in the utterly winning voice of a very old man who's seen it all these are the irresistible elements of "Water for Elephants." Sara Gruen has written an utterly transporting novel richly full of the stuff of life." Robert Olen Butler "So much more than a tale about a circus, "Water for Elephants" is a compelling journey not only under the big top, but into the protagonist's heart. Sara Gruen uses her talent as a writer to bring that world alive for the reader: I could smell it, taste it, feel every word of it. This is a fiction reader's dream come true." Jeanne Ray, author of "Julie and Romeo Get Lucky" Gorgeous, brilliant, and superbly plotted, "Water for Elephants" swept me into the world of the circus during the Depression and it did not let me go until the very end. I don t think it has let me go even now. Sara Gruen has a voice to rival John Irving s, and I am hopelessly, unabashedly in love with this book. Read it. Joshilyn Jackson, author of "Gods in Alabama" An entirely original, captivating story of finding love in a down-at-the-heels traveling circus in the Great Depression. Sara Gruen writes with great tenderness and breathtaking drama which makes the novel impossible to put down. Stephanie Cowell, author of "Marrying Mozart""
"[An] arresting new novel. . . . At its finest, Water for Elephants resembles stealth hits like 'The Giant's House, ' by Elizabeth McCracken, or 'The Lovely Bones, ' by Alice Sebold, books that combine outrageously whimsical premises with crowd-pleasing romanticism. . . . Black-and-white photographs of real American circus scenes from the first half of the century are interspersed throughout the novel, and they brilliantly evoke the dignified power contained in the quieter moments of this unusual brotherhood. . . . With a showman's expert timing, [Gruen] saves a terrific revelation for the final pages, transforming a glimpse of Americana into an enchanting escapist fairy tale."--New York Times Book Review
"Vibrant . . . gritty, sensual, and charged with dark secrets involving love, murder, and a majestic, mute heroine (Rosie the Elephant)."--Parade
"Novelist Gruen unearths a lost world with her rich and surprising portrayal of life in a traveling circus in the '30s. An emotional tale that will please history buffs--and others."--People
"[This] sprightly tale has a ringmaster's crowd-pleasing pace."--Entertainment Weekly
"A compulsive page-turner . . . a fascinating setting and a richly anecdotal story that's enjoyable right up to the final, inevitable revelation."--The Onion
"A rich surprise, a delightful gem springing from a fascinating footnote to history that absolutely deserved to be mined."--Denver Post
"One of the many pleasures of this novel is the opportunity to enter a bizarrely coded and private world with its own laws, superstitions and vocabulary. . . . I couldn't bear to be torn away from it for a single minute."--Chicago Tribune
"You'll get lost in the tatty glamour of Gruen's meticulously researched world, from spangled equestrian pageantry and the sleazy side show to an ill-fated night at a Chicago speak-easy."--Washington Post
"Riveting." --The Toronto Globe and Mail
"Life is good for Jacob Jankowski. He's about to graduate from veterinary school and about to bed the girl of his dreams. Then his parents are killed in a car crash, leaving him in the middle of the Great Depression with no home, no family, and no career...This lushly romantic novel travels back in forth in time between Jacob's present day in a nursing home and his adventures in the surprisingly harsh world of 1930s circuses...just like a circus, the magic of the story and the writing convinces you to suspend your disbelief."--Booklist
"Old-fashioned and endearing, this is an enjoyable, fast-paced story."--Library Journal
"Lovely and mesmerizing...genuine talent."--Kirkus Reviews
A "page-turner...Gruen skillfully humanizes the midgets, drunks, rubes and freaks who populate her book."--Publishers Weekly
"In this thrilling, romantic story set in a traveling circus in the 1930s, Sara Gruen has a Big Top's worth of vivid characters and an exhilarating narrative that kept me up all night. From the perseverance of a terrier named Queenie, to the charm of Rosie the elephant, this masterpiece of storytelling is a book about what animals can teach people about love." --Susan Cheever, author of My Name Is Bill
"The circus, the Great Depression, a complex elephant, equally complex love, the mists and twists of memory articulated in the utterly winning voice of a very old man who's seen it all--these are the irresistible elements of Water for Elephants. Sara Gruen has written an utterly transporting novel richly full of the stuff of life." --Robert Olen Butler
"So much more than a tale about a circus, Water for Elephants is a compelling journey not only under the big top, but into the protagonist's heart. Sara Gruen uses her talent as a writer to bring that world alive for the reader: I could smell it, taste it, feel every word of it. This is a fiction reader's dream come true." --Jeanne Ray, author of Julie and Romeo Get Lucky
"Gorgeous, brilliant, and superbly plotted, Water for Elephants swept me into the world of the circus during the Depression and it did not let me go until the very end. I don't think it has let me go even now. Sara Gruen has a voice to rival John Irving's, and I am hopelessly, unabashedly in love with this book. Read it." --Joshilyn Jackson, author of Gods in Alabama
"An entirely original, captivating story of finding love in a down-at-the-heels traveling circus in the Great Depression. Sara Gruen writes with great tenderness and breathtaking drama which makes the novel impossible to put down." --Stephanie Cowell, author of Marrying Mozart
"Gritty, sensual and charged with dark secrets involving love, murder and a majestic, mute heroine (Rosie the Elephant)."--Parade
The idea for this book came unexpectedly. I was a day away
from starting a different novel when the Chicago Tribune ran an article on
a photographer who followed and documented train circuses during the 1920s
and 1930s.
from starting a different novel when the Chicago Tribune ran an article on
a photographer who followed and documented train circuses during the 1920s
and 1930s.
The photograph that accompanied the article was stunning - a detailed
panoramic that so fascinated me I immediately bought two books of old-time
circus photographs. By the time I thumbed through them, I was hooked. I
abandoned the other novel and dove into the world of the train circus.
I began by getting a bibliography from the archivist at Circus World in
Baraboo, Wisconsin. Most of the books were out of print, but I managed to
track them down online and through rare-book sellers. Within weeks I was
off to Sarasota, Florida, to visit the Ringling Circus Museum. I spent
three days crawling under circus wagons, peering inside the trunks stored
beneath them, and taking flash pictures to reveal the mysteries stashed in
unlit corners.
By the end of the first day, I was being shadowed. By the end of the third,
an employee approached me and asked what on earth I thought I was doing.
When I told her of my desire to write a novel set on a circus train, her
eyes lit up and she walked me through the entire museum, regaling me with a
rich oral history that was far more vivid than the information on the
posted placards, and that answered many of the questions I had scribbled in
my notebook.
The museum was selling duplicates of books in its collection, so I came
home poorer by several hundred dollars. Yet the more I read, the more aware
I became of just how much I still had to learn. Train circuses operated in
a distinct culture that had its own languages, its own traditions, and its
own laws. I also realized that there is a huge subculture of circus fans
who would know if I got something wrong.
I spent almost a year doing research, including hauling my family to every
circus within driving distance. I returned to Sarasota and brought home
more books. I went to Circus World, where I was taken into the elephant
enclosure and introduced to a beautiful fifty-three-year-old Asian elephant
named Barbara. I stood by her ten-foot-high shoulder, literally trembling
as I reached out to touch her. And finally, because I wanted to learn about
elephant body language, I went to the Kansas City Zoo with a former
elephant handler.
When it was time to start writing, my head was so full of details I
couldn't stand external stimulus. I asked my husband to move my desk into
our walk-in closet, covered the window, and wore noise-reduction
headphones. I spent much of the winter in that closet, weaving together the
things I had learned.
The history of the American circus is so rich that I plucked many of the
novel's most outrageous details from fact or anecdote (in circus history,
the line between the two is famously blurred). Among them are stories about
a hippo pickled in formaldehyde, a deceased four-hundred-pound "strong
lady" who was paraded around town in an elephant cage, an elephant who
repeatedly pulled up her stake and drank the lemonade intended for sale on
the midway, another elephant who ran off and was retrieved from a backyard
vegetable patch, and an ancient lion who got wedged beneath a sink along
with a restaurant employee, rendering them both too terrified to move. I
also incorporated the horrific and very real tragedy of Jamaica ginger
paralysis, a neurological disease caused by the consumption of adulterated
ginger extract that devastated the lives of approximately 100,000 Americans
between 1930 and 1931 and which is virtually forgotten today because most
of its victims lived on the fringes of society.
None of the characters in the novel is based on any one real person;
rather, they are a distillation of the many memorable performers and circus
workers I encountered during the course of my research. And then there is
Rosie, the elephant at the center of the novel; she became as real to me as
any living pachyderm could ever be.
I knew from the beginning that I had embarked on an adventure with this
book, but I didn't know the extent until the day I found myself
cold-calling a man who owns a sideshow and keeps human heads in his house.
And really, how often can you greet your spouse with the words,
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherAlgonquin Books
- Publication date2011
- ISBN 10 1616200715
- ISBN 13 9781616200718
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages445
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Water for Elephants
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Algonquin Books
(2011)
ISBN 10: 1616200715
ISBN 13: 9781616200718
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Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # FrontCover1616200715
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Water for Elephants
Published by
Algonquin Books
(2011)
ISBN 10: 1616200715
ISBN 13: 9781616200718
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Paperback
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Brand New. mti rep edition. 445 pages. 6.70x4.20x1.40 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # 1616200715
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Water for Elephants
Published by
Algonquin Books
(2011)
ISBN 10: 1616200715
ISBN 13: 9781616200718
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Book Description Condition: New. Book is in NEW condition. Seller Inventory # 1616200715-2-1
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Water for Elephants
Published by
Algonquin Books
(2011)
ISBN 10: 1616200715
ISBN 13: 9781616200718
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Softcover
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Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published. Seller Inventory # 353-1616200715-new
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WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
Published by
Algonquin Books
(2011)
ISBN 10: 1616200715
ISBN 13: 9781616200718
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Book Description Condition: New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! 0.5. Seller Inventory # Q-1616200715
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