Water for Elephants a tearjerker
Thu 23 October 2008
Kim Lahey, Journalism
Rebellious Jacob is 90 - or 93 – he can’t remember.
Grumbling from his bed in a nursing home, Jacob remembers the days of his youth travelling with a circus, looking out for the fate of the menagerie of animals and making friends with misfits.
Orphaned at 19, he’s buried his parents and run away from home. Now he’s sharing a bunk on a train wagon with a dwarf and falling in love with Marlena, wife of the cruel animal trainer August. August holds the power so Jacob is left without much choice than go along with his devious plans.
Rosie the elephant seemingly cannot follow instructions, but when Jacob eventually breaks the code, but this animal becomes his salvation.
Set during the great depression in the ’30s, this story of passion and loss, laughter and tragedy, vividly recalled by this cheeky old vet.
Ironically, the nurse who now tends Jacob is called Rosemary. She has bonded with the old grump in a flirtatious and fun way.
The ending will lift the spirits. Jacob finds his freedom from the nursing home. How, we could never have imagined.
Publisher Allen and Unwin
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