Water for Elephants Summary & Study Guide | Sara Gruen
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Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is a captivating work of historical fiction that tells the story of a young man named Jacob Jankowski, who finds himself lost and alone during the Great Depression. After the sudden death of his parents, Jacob drops out of veterinary school and jumps aboard a passing train, not realizing that it's a traveling circus. He quickly discovers that life in the circus is both magical and brutal, filled with colorful characters, dangerous animals, and harsh living conditions. Along the way, he meets Marlena, a beautiful and talented performer who is married to August, the circus's abusive and paranoid ringleader. Despite the obstacles that stand in their way, Jacob and Marlena fall desperately in love, and together they risk everything to escape August's wrath and build a better life for themselves. A powerful tale of love, loss, and redemption, Water for Elephants is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and coming-of-age stories.