Water For Elephantsby Sara Gruen, Allen & Unwin, $24.99.
Orphaned and broke, just as the Great Depression begins to bite, veterinary student Jacob Jankowski runs away to join the dirty glamour of a travelling circus.
There, among the weird and wonderful characters of the Benzini Bros’ Most Spectacular Show on Earth, Jacob finds two great loves: Marlena, the beautiful equestrienne, and Rosie, the clever but misunderstood Elephant.
Both are badly treated by cruel animal trainer August, and it seems powerless Jacob can do little to help.
Water for Elephantsis alternately narrated by young Jacob and old Jacob, now 90-something and institutionalised in a nursing home.
When the circus comes to town, old Jacob is desperate to visit, his body may be frail, but his memories are strong.
Will Marlena and Rosie survive August’s cruelty and escape with young Jacob? Will old Jacob get a final bittersweet glimpse into the world of the circus? The plot is as gripping as a big-tent high-wire act.
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