Where to begin? Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is one of, if not the most spectacular novel. For me particularly, I rank it up there with Harry Potter, Atonement and The Notebook. Sara Gruen beautifully combines romance, magic and mystery all under one candy-cane striped circus tent.
It is narrated similarly to The Notebook in a sense that it is an old man in a nursing home reminiscing on his days of working for a traveling circus in the early 1900’s. I don’t want to give too much away but it is so wonderfully written and such a truly unique piece of literature. It sweeps you away in to another world in a somewhat Harry Potter-esque way, but it is more serious, mature, realistic and romantic. Gruen also managed to strike an interest in the circus for me as a reader. I had never really considered the history behind circuses and how truly American they really are until delving into this novel.
I have been following Water for Elephants’ twitter page for almost a year now (since I read in a magazine that they were making it into a film) but, since I have no TV here in Paree, a big thanks to Caitlin Brennan, my friend and fellow appreciator of well-written novels, for showing me the link to the newly released trailer! I have no doubt that the movie will be incredible based on the trailer and the actors, although I am sure I will like the book better… as always. The release date is set for April 15th in the states and April 27th here in France. If you haven’t read the book yet, it is an absolute must before seeing the movie. I assure you, you will not be let down!
xx,
ss
Rue Spontini 