Bram Gunterstein

Bram Gunterstein, one of the two main characters in the novel, was born to a circus family on the same day as a young elephant. Born in Germany, Bram is the only child of Josef and Katrina Gunterstein. The family lives on a small farm outside of a town called Hasengrossck. Bram is raised by his parents to work in the circus, specifically as an elephant trainer, another generation in the family. Bram, named after his grandfather, Josef's father, exhibits a natural affinity for the largest mammals, especially Modoc, the baby born to Emma, one of the stars of the circus.

Bram's life is one of unexpected joy and sorrow as he leaves the life he has known in Germany in order to stow away on a ship bound for America after Modoc is sold with the rest of the circus animals to Jack North. A violent...