Water for Elephants is a must-read for those who are in search of a heartfelt love story set against the backdrop of a travelling circus during the Great Depression. The author delves deep into the life of circus performers and their relationships, while also giving an intriguing insight into the world of animals in the circus. The book is particularly enjoyable for its unique perspective and vivid descriptions, which make the story come to life.

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• Book Sense Book of the Year Award for Adult Fiction (2007)
• ALA Alex Award (2007)
• The Quill Award Nominee for General Fiction (2006)
• LovelyBooks Leserpreis Nominee for Allgemeine Literatur (2009)

Winner of the 2007 BookBrowse Award for Most Popular Book.An atmospheric, gritty, and compelling novel of star-crossed lovers, set in the circus world circa 1932, by the bestselling author of Riding Lessons. 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.

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