Review: Water for Elephants

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

The feelings of failure, sorrow and loss are often associated with the Great Depression.

However, in “Water for Elephants”, author Sara Gruen displays a colorful aspect of the period by introducing the audience to an unknown world of the depression-era circus.

The novel is narrated by an elderly protagonist, who tells his tale of a personal tragedy and an accidental fall into a life-altering circus world. The experience reveals a backstage appearance of the “greatest show on earth.” That is, behind all the glitz and glamour lies a world dedicated to sex, robbery and debauchery.

Through extensive historical research, Gruen is able to bring the reader into an unthinkable world. The world of the depression-era circus is rough, erotic and full of people who lack any sense of morality. It makes for a fantastic read, one that not only enlightens but also entertains.

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