Reviews

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

smithel's review against another edition

3.0

I also enjoyed this much more than I thought I would; a very interesting read about being in a travelling circus during the Depression

aaparker8's review against another edition

5.0

I could not put this book down! I stayed up until my eyes burned just to see what happened next. It was intriguing to watch Rosie play such a huge part in the way Jacob and Marlena's relationship evolved. I can't wait to see the movie. I hope they do it justice.

kittic's review against another edition

5.0

This is one of my sister's favourite books and now I completely understand why. Its a beautiful story set in a fascinating era. The author's descriptive writing makes the realities of a travelling circus come to life before your eyes, both it's magic and it's tragedy.

lilcoppertop's review against another edition

adventurous sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

susandelgado's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

nglofile's review against another edition

3.0

Exciting prologue and an interesting story. I can see how it lends itself easily to discussion groups. Frankly, I probably would have rated it higher except for several salacious scenes. Most often I just read past such content, but sometimes I weary of it.

EDIT: After taking part in the discussion, I find myself thinking more highly of the book. Perhaps I need to wait and mull it over further before I decide.

audiobook note: one of the worst offenders in terms of over-long tracks

danajoy's review against another edition

dark emotional

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Death

Moderate: Ableism, Pregnancy, Racism, and Death of parent

caffeinated_cassade's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a beautifully written book. The love was great and also heartbreaking. I felt with the lead character along his journey.

jb93reads's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

ducky1918's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

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

3.5