However, when the circus comes to town, and another of the facility’s residents, Joseph McGuinty, mentions that he once carried water for the elephants in a circus, Jacob loses his temper and is banished to his room to eat alone. Jacob doesn’t view himself as helpless, like some of his fellow residents, and he mostly endures the forced social time in silence. Forgotten by the world and his family, all Jacob has left are his memories and his friendship with a compassionate nurse, Rosemary. The elderly man, once a redhead, now counts his lingering hairs and languishes in the isolation of an assisted living facility.
This guide refers to the 2007 Algonquin Books edition of the text.Ĭontent Warning: This novel depicts sexual acts, violence, and characters who have physical or mental health conditions. Black-and-white photos of circus scenes precede many of the novel’s chapters. Kelty, who followed traveling circuses from 1920 to 1930. In her author’s note, Gruen explains that she was inspired to write the novel after seeing the photography of Edward J. The historical romance offers a glimpse into Prohibition and Depression-era cityscapes as the circus travels across the nation to various towns.
The novel’s protagonist, Jacob Jankowski, becomes the circus veterinarian and befriends a chimpanzee and an elephant named Rosie.
Gruen often features animals in her novels, and Water for Elephants is no exception, as she follows two lovers in a forbidden relationship set against the backdrop of a circus and its eclectic mix of characters and exotic animals.
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