Madeline
Water For Elephants, a story about life in the circus, was a Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson movie, not a book to me. But since I never watched it when it came out in 2011, I am happy to say, it became a book to me first. There is no way the movie could be better.
Premise of Water For Elephants
A Polish veterinary, Jacob, is getting ready for his final exams during the great depression when his parents are killed in a car crash. He suddenly cannot see straight and finds himself jumping onto a train. But this is not just any train, it is a circus train. Not knowing what to do with himself and at the brink of finishing his veterinary schooling, he starts his life in the circus.
As the book continues, we meet a slew of characters and animals. Most notable, August, the animal trainer, and his circus performer wife, Marlena. As Jacob works closely with the animals, he also works closely with this duo which causes tension for the whole performance.
Imagery Of Life In The Circus
I don’t think this book would have been as successful as it was without the vivid imagery. Every character’s movement, every prop, every person, place, or thing, was beautifully described in a way that was brief but provided a full thought out picture. Life in the circus came to life for me while reading. Thank you Sara Gruen (the author) for doing such a fantastic job.
Final Thoughts
The imagery of life in the circus has never been so vivid for me. Now that I have a clear picture of how this story goes, it is time to see how Hollywood messed it all up for me with a movie. I imagine the movie will be great, but there is no way it could be better than the book.
