Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen examines the life of 93-year-old Jacob Jankowski who worked for years in the circus as a veterinarian. He begins reflecting on this time in his life because a circus sets up beside his assisted-living center. We relive Jacob’s experiences with him as he recalls his past. While at the circus years ago, he falls in love with a married circus performer, named Marlena, who desperately wishes to get away from her odd husband, August. Jacob and Marlena overcome adversity brought on by their peers and are able to escape and live a happy life together by working in the Ringling Brothers Circus until Marlena’s death. Jacob attends the circus beside his assisted-living center and decides to once again run away with them and enjoy the remainder of his life.
