So I finished the first book on my Spring Thing Reading list.......it was one that my oldest daughter read first. She liked the story. (Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen)
It was a good story. Basically, it's fiction with some historical facts thrown in about circus trains in the 1930's and the life of the various circus people. The parts I did not like were the rather raunchy, graphic sexual depictions...this story would be just fine without the raunchiness of those scenes.....
It opens in the present after a prologue of something that happens at the end of the book...you are left wondering just Who and What happened to the circus performer, the vet, and the elephant involved. I won't say what does happen because I don't want to ruin it for you if you decide to read it.
Overall, the beginning drew me in to the story and characters....the characterization is well done and I really do think the author could have depicted what circus people were like without the sexual scenes or descriptions.
Towards the middle of the book I kept thinking "ok, enough of this....come on get with the plot movement". It seemed kinda "stuck" and like it just wasn't moving....when all of a sudden the climax occurs and you just have to finish the book to see what is gonna happen.
Do I recommend this as a read? Absolutely...it is a good story, based on historical facts/circus archives/research. Should people under the age of 17 read it? Probably not, or depending on their maturity level.
I'm glad it's done because I wanted to see what was gonna happen but the next book I"m reading is a much better read, literary-wise. I did like the rather surprise ending of what happens with the main character, the vet. It was a fantastic ending and probably the best part of the book!!
3 comments:
I've hummed and hawed over this book. It sounds very interesting and now they're making a movie about it. Thanks for the review, Faith.
Oh and just looking at your next read I just had to let you know that I finished my last book I was reading and the next one I started was the t. greenwood one I am reading. Funny coincidence.
lol...that IS funny Susanne! I just started the t greenwood and I'm already hooked....Water for Elephants as a movie better be rated R.....there are some really "rauchy" scenes...sigh....which is too bad because the story itself is quite good....i think i'm gonna love this greenwood novel....I see she has quite a few books out that all got glowing reviews....have fun with yours...which one is it??
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