Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Water for Elephants summary
Sara Gruen,
Brief summary
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is a captivating novel set in the 1930s. It tells the story of Jacob, a young man who joins a traveling circus and falls in love with the beautiful equestrian star, Marlena, while also forming a special bond with an elephant named Rosie.
Topics
Table of Contents
Water for Elephants
Summary of key ideas
Survival and Love in a Circus
In Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, we are transported to the world of a traveling circus during the Great Depression. The story is narrated by Jacob Jankowski, a ninety-three-year-old man who looks back on his life and the extraordinary experiences he had as a young man.
Jacob, a veterinary student at Cornell, is left orphaned and penniless after a tragic car accident. Disoriented and grief-stricken, he jumps onto a passing train, only to discover that it belongs to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. He is quickly absorbed into the circus life, becoming the show's vet and caretaker of the animals.
The Love Triangle
It is here that Jacob meets Marlena, the beautiful and talented equestrian star, and her husband August, the circus' animal trainer. Jacob is immediately drawn to Marlena, and their shared love for the animals brings them closer. However, their growing affection for each other is complicated by August's volatile and abusive nature.
August is a complex character, charming and loving one moment, and cruel and violent the next. His unpredictable behavior creates a tense and dangerous environment for both Marlena and Jacob. Despite the risks, Jacob and Marlena's feelings for each other continue to deepen, and they struggle to keep their relationship hidden.
The Unforgettable Rosie
One of the most memorable characters in the story is Rosie, an elephant that Jacob is tasked with caring for. Initially dismissed as a dumb animal, Jacob soon discovers that Rosie is incredibly intelligent and capable of understanding Polish commands. He forms a strong bond with her, and together they become an integral part of the circus.
As the story progresses, Jacob learns that August has been abusing Rosie, causing her to be uncooperative during performances. Jacob and Marlena hatch a plan to save Rosie from August's cruelty, and the three of them, along with a few other circus workers, escape from the Benzini Brothers and join a rival circus.
The Final Act
However, their new life is not without its challenges. The new circus is struggling financially, and the performers are constantly at odds with each other. August, who has discovered Jacob and Marlena's relationship, becomes increasingly paranoid and violent. The situation comes to a head during a performance, where August attacks Marlena, and Rosie, in a moment of defense, kills him.
In the aftermath, Jacob and Marlena are forced to go their separate ways. Jacob returns to his studies and eventually becomes a veterinarian, while Marlena continues to perform with the circus. Despite their separation, their love for each other and the memories of their time in the circus remain with them.
In Conclusion
In Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen weaves a captivating tale of survival, love, and the resilience of the human spirit. The vivid portrayal of the circus world during the Depression era, the complex characters, and the bittersweet love story between Jacob and Marlena make this novel an unforgettable read.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Water for Elephants about?
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is a captivating novel set in the 1930s during the Great Depression. It tells the story of Jacob Jankowski, a young man who runs away from his life and finds himself joining a traveling circus. There, he meets Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star, and Rosie, the amazing elephant. The book explores themes of love, trust, and the struggle for survival in a mesmerizing and unforgettable way. A truly remarkable read!
Water for Elephants Review
Water for Elephants (2006) is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey into the world of a traveling circus during the Great Depression. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With its vivid descriptions and rich historical backdrop, it immerses readers in the vibrant and fascinating world of the circus.
- The book explores the complexities of human relationships, highlighting themes of love, loyalty, and survival that resonate with readers.
- Through the protagonist's perspective, readers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the characters, creating empathy and emotional connection throughout the story.
Who should read Water for Elephants?
- Readers who enjoy immersive historical fiction
- Those with a fascination for circus culture and behind-the-scenes dynamics
- Individuals who appreciate rich character development and nuanced relationships
Categories with Water for Elephants
Book summaries like Water for Elephants
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Water for Elephants FAQs
What is the main message of Water for Elephants?
The main message of Water for Elephants is that life is unpredictable and full of unexpected adventures.
How long does it take to read Water for Elephants?
The reading time for Water for Elephants varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Water for Elephants a good book? Is it worth reading?
Water for Elephants is a captivating story that transports you to the circus world and explores themes of love, loyalty, and survival.
Who is the author of Water for Elephants?
The author of Water for Elephants is Sara Gruen.
What to read after Water for Elephants?
If you're wondering what to read next after Water for Elephants, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda