“Age is a terrible thief” – Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Literary Letter  #1

Review Grade: B

Sara Gruen is an empathetic author. Her recently published novel “Water for Elephants” is a living proof verifying her astounding skills in describing the relations between a human and an animal. This novel was an easy but surpassingly entertaining read. One could not help but feel sympathetic towards Jacob as well as the others drifters and misfits suffering from the trials and afflictions during the severe Great Depression that plunged the citizens of the United States of America into a living hell.

“Water for Elephants” is an atmospheric and tear-jerking revelation on two star crossed lovers, Jacob and Marlena, who meet during the prime days of the sublime circus showcases. One of the things that I like about this novel is the author’s use of vivid and surprising descriptions of the freaks, drifters and misfits that overpopulate her book. These unfortunate people are often disregarded by history, portrayed to be a social cancer and threat to stability as well as the cause for instability. Yet, the author shows the readers a different side of these people; how these people were once like us but accursed with bad luck that forced them to abandon their previous lives for a new one. For example, Jacob was an extraordinary veterinary student who almost succeeded in acquiring a degree. However, misfortune came and forced him to jump on a train that was filled with other people like him; boarding on an unknown journey in hope of salvation from their terrible state. One other thing that I like about this novel would be the symbolic use of animals in the story as it progressed. The author shows the readers how animals are from Jacob’s point of view. The relations between a human being and an animal are clearly descriptive, showing how love and compassion may be acted upon by the simplest acts towards other creatures.

However, novels do have pros and cons. Though “Water for Elephants” is targeted for young adults and adults, the novel had an excessive use on pornography. The explicit sexual details in the story might not bother many, but would clearly shock and disgust parents who would not want this book in their children’s hands ever. Many parents would argue that this novel is a literary piece that shows how the society is indoctrinated with hedonism. Nevertheless, this novel deserves a moderately high review for the diversity of characters, relations between a human being and an animal, and of course, a tale of love lost forever.

For more reading:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_for_Elephants

http://www.saragruen.com/water.html