The old-man-looks-back-on-his-life premise is revisited in Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants, but rather than focusing on his life in its entirety, the story jumps back and forth in time between Jacob Jankowski's present-day trials and tribulations in a nursing home, and his several-month adventure in the harsh world of a second-rate Depression Era circus. A veterinary student who's set adrift and filled with despair after losing both parents to a fatal car accident, Jacob jumps onto a passing train and unwittingly finds himself part of the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. His veterinary skills quickly lead to a job caring for the circus menagerie, where he meets Marlena, the lovely young star of the equestrian act; her animal training husband, the charismatic but volatile August; and Rosie, an elephant who's supposed to be the show's salvation if someone can figure out how to make her follow instructions. A year's worth of research on elephants and Depression Era circuses (including a few visits to Sarasota's Ringling Museum) has helped Gruen paint a vivid portrait of 1930s circus life while telling an engrossing tale with seemingly authentic characters. Meet her and pick up a copy of Water for Elephants at Inkwood Books this week. Wed., July 19, 6 p.m., 216 S. Armenia Ave., Tampa, 813-253-2638.
This article appears in Jul 12-18, 2006.