Engrossing, astounding and at times disturbingly startling. This novel takes its reader into the captivating world of circus life in the 1930's. When the protagonist Jacob encounters a tragic loss, he leaves his ivy league vet training early to hop a train into a life filled with misfits and beauties. When he falls in love with Marlena, the show's star performer and wife of the horrifically abusive and psychotic animal trainer, he finds himself silently suffocating in a world where compassion is cast aside.
This was an incredible read and an even more impressive literary feat. The research performed by Sara Gruen in order to be able to demonstrate the world and timeframe in which Jacob finds himself is so vivid that you smell the cotton candy, hear the horses stomping and see every little wrinkle and hair on Rosie's (the elephant) skin.
Not for the faint of heart as some of the animal encounters are difficult to read but should you be searching for a historical read with a glimpse into a different time and way of life while intertwined with a unique and beautiful story-line this is the book for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment