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The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained

Water for Elephants
By: Sara Gruen
My Rating: Four out of Five Stars
Best For: 18 and up

Water for Elephants: A Gritty, Heartfelt Trip to the Depression-Era Circus

I want to read more books about the circus! Seriously, what a setting. The trains, the schedules, the performers, the “freaks,” and the animals—every element of a Depression-era traveling show makes for an incredible historical backdrop. I found myself wondering: why aren’t there more stories like this?

Water for Elephants follows Jacob Janowski at both ends of his life. We see him as a 90-something man in an assisted living facility, and through his memories, we travel back to his youth. Orphaned and penniless just shy of his veterinary degree, Jacob jumps onto a moving train that happens to house the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.

There, he becomes an “accidental hero,” caring for the menagerie and falling for Marlena, the beautiful star of the equestrian act. The problem? Marlena is married to August, a charismatic but unpredictable and dangerously brutal animal trainer. When the show acquires Rosie—the dumbest elephant on earth (or is she?)—the stage is set for a high-stakes story of survival and love.

I enjoyed this book very much. The contrast between Jacob’s frail present and his vibrant, dangerous past is poignant and makes you think deeply about the passage of time.

A quick heads-up for my “No Surprises” readers: I was disappointed in the graphic nature of the sexual content. I actually chose to skip a couple of scenes, and honestly, I don’t feel like I missed a bit of the story by doing so. You can choose to do the same, or not! I just want you to be able to read without being blindsided.

Content Guide for Parents & Discerning Readers:

Age Recommendation: 18+ (Due to graphic themes and language).

Language: Strong. (Includes 18 F-words and 24 Sh-words).

Violence: Heavy. Includes fistfights, animal shootings (out of mercy), and a chaotic circus riot.

Animal Cruelty: Significant and distressing. There are graphic scenes of animals being beaten, whipped, and neglected.

Domestic Abuse: Includes intense physical and emotional abuse of a wife by her husband.

Sexual Content: Strong and graphic. Includes scenes in a circus brothel and explicit scenes between the main characters.

The Verdict:

4 Stars. It’s a heartfelt, entertaining, and often sad look at the human condition. If you can handle the grit and the animal cruelty, the historical atmosphere alone is worth the price of admission.

Happy Reading!