I was eager to read this book - the Amazon reviews were highly rated and I had had a few recommendations. The prologue sucked me in immediately, but I was also immediately off-sided by the first person narrative in the present tense. However, I was immediately drawn in; the main character was likeable from the start. I liked Sara Gruen's writing style - without being overly graphic she manages to describe gestures and actions simply, but accurately. Her portrayal of the main character as an old man is brilliant - his view of his situation and those who care for him at 90 (or 93) is priceless. There is no doubt that Sara has researched her subject extensively and as a result her story holds credibility. It flows along nicely - it has a start, a middle and an end - a satisfactory end, to boot. So it ticked a lot of boxes. What didn't I like about it? As mentioned, the present tense narrative just wasn't my cup of tea and for some reason, I couldn't remember all the characters - when the lesser ones cropped up, I would ask myself - who was he/she again ? I was slightly distressed by the method of demise of a couple of characters whom you grow to like - it didn't seem necessary to the plot and I was very distressed by the animal cruelty, however close to the facts from Sara's research it may have been. A page turner, most definitely, but whilst I would recommend the book, that recommendation would come with caveats.Saturday, 27 August 2011
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
I was eager to read this book - the Amazon reviews were highly rated and I had had a few recommendations. The prologue sucked me in immediately, but I was also immediately off-sided by the first person narrative in the present tense. However, I was immediately drawn in; the main character was likeable from the start. I liked Sara Gruen's writing style - without being overly graphic she manages to describe gestures and actions simply, but accurately. Her portrayal of the main character as an old man is brilliant - his view of his situation and those who care for him at 90 (or 93) is priceless. There is no doubt that Sara has researched her subject extensively and as a result her story holds credibility. It flows along nicely - it has a start, a middle and an end - a satisfactory end, to boot. So it ticked a lot of boxes. What didn't I like about it? As mentioned, the present tense narrative just wasn't my cup of tea and for some reason, I couldn't remember all the characters - when the lesser ones cropped up, I would ask myself - who was he/she again ? I was slightly distressed by the method of demise of a couple of characters whom you grow to like - it didn't seem necessary to the plot and I was very distressed by the animal cruelty, however close to the facts from Sara's research it may have been. A page turner, most definitely, but whilst I would recommend the book, that recommendation would come with caveats.
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I'm reading this right now, and I agree that the first-person narrative is not to my liking, and the back-and-forth between present and past is a little confusing at times. That being said, it does have a very good storyline, and I find the subject absolutely fascinating. I'm anxious to continue with the book. Carol
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this book, too, mostly because it was so unlike any other book. I'm so tired of reading stories about dysfunctional families or women playing the victim. This was a refreshing change. But I'm not surprised that the movie didn't do well.
ReplyDeleteThe story line was great. The characters were interesting and different. The book moves a long at a nice pace. After the story was finished, I thought about the characters for quite some time and what life would of been like living on a circus train. It is also worth reading the discussion with the Author at the end. She gives some very interesting insight into the circus life and the treatment of elephants.
ReplyDeleteThis book was a true page-turner. The well-developed characters and their relationships kept my attention throughout the book and always left me wanting to read more. I would suggest this book to any reader, especially those with an interest in this historic, yet little-known subject.
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