Water for elephants by Sara Gruen

"Water for elephants", by Sara Gruen. This book is published in 2011 by Hodder & Stoughton and has 448 pages.

This is the story of Jacob Jankowsky, a second generation Polish-American, narrated in first person. Jacob is studying in final year of an ivy league school to beacome a veterinarian when his parents are killed in an accident. Left with no money and a mortgage to repay, he boards a train while he is sulking. Incidentally the train belongs to Benzini brothers circus.

Jacob is employed by the owner as vet. Here he meets a beautiful artist called Marlena, her equestrian director husband August, kinko the dwarf, Uncle Al the owner and Rosy the elephant among others.

Rosy can not understand commands, can't do any act and becomes a financial liability. Workers are not paid. Useless workers are 'red lighted' that is thrown out of moving train. Jacob discovers that Rosy can not follow English commands but understands Polish. Her training starts. Now she has a show with Marlena. Her show becomes a hit. Money starts coming in. Things are going fine when something happens that changes the equation.

What happens? Is it serious? Who is impacted? Who is red lighted? Do things change for better? What role does Rosy play?

The backdrop of the story is the life in a circus. The performers, animals, supporting staff, the hierarchy, friendship and envy, politics, lust & love. This setting is off beat and readers enjoy it for the novelty. In the days of no cinema, no TV, no internet; a circus was an important event in the town it visited. Circus industry was an important contributor in generating employment and supporting livelihoods of many.

The ruthlessness in non payment of wages, red lighting and physical violence are in stark contrast to the fun, spectacles and illusions of a circus. Loneliness and plight of 90 year old Jacob in old age home, despite having five children and many grandchildren touches reader's heart. Sara's narration is fluid. Although there are not many ups & downs and no major twists, you want to know what happens next. The story is told by 90 year old Jacob. The flash backs are narrated by 23 year old Jacob.

Although elephant is in the title, she actually make an entry almost half way through the book and plays a vital role in shaping the story. The story comes full circle when the book ends with an event  with which it started.

A good  change. Recommend reading.