Reviews

Very interesting premise, one that I haven't come across before. I had high expectations considering this was made into film but it wasn't as great as I hoped it would be. I kept reading simply because I wanted to know how the story would turn out. The characters frustrated me for their indecisiveness or always making the wrong decisions. The book had potential but it fell flat, for me anyway, instead.

juliebroten's review against another edition

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5.0

I can't believe this book sat untouched on my bookshelf for three years -- I had no idea what I was missing. It has been several years since I've finished a book all in one day; a combination of an extreme shortage of time for reading and a lack of books that are so captivating, I truly cannot put them down. But Water for Elephants was exactly that; a story so engrossing that I couldn't tear myself away. So many books I have read lately start off slow and boring, but this certainly wasn't the case... two chapters in and I knew I would be late for work this morning because I couldn't stop reading. Water for Elephants is a charming, fast read, and Sara Gruen is a wonderful storyteller.

ra042312's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

cass1699's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars! This book was a) beautifully written and b) so captivating right from the start! Also, the twist at the end was incredible. Loved it!

itsmelive's review against another edition

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3.0

A nice look at a way of life that will never be the same again. A touching relationship between Jacob and his animals and Marlena and hers. I think more than anything that's how they fall in love and stay together: their quiet natures and compassion for other living creatures. Great to see a love story where the relationship is based on mutual love for something / common goals as opposed to just obsession with each other.

beereader12's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

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