Water for Elephants
by Sara Gruen
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen holds a highly rated rating of 4.07 out of 5, based on 1.1M reader ratings. First published in 2006. The book spans 335 pages.
About Water for Elephants
Winner of the 2007 BookBrowse Award for Most Popular Book.An atmospheric, gritty, and compelling novel of star-crossed lovers, set in the circus world circa 1932, by the bestselling author of Riding Lessons. When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, drifters, and misfits, a second-rate circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. A veterinary student who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her. Beautifully written, Water for Elephants is illuminated by a wonderful sense of time and place. It tells a story of a love between two people that overcomes incredible odds in a world in which even love is a luxury that few can afford.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Sara Gruen |
| Published | 2006 |
| Pages | 335 |
| Genres | Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction |
| Average Rating | 4.07 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 1,068,146 |
Reader Ratings & Analysis
Rating Overview
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Water for Elephants?
Water for Elephants is categorized as Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Romance.
Is Water for Elephants worth reading?
Based on 1.1M reader ratings, Water for Elephants has an average score of 4.07 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is Water for Elephants?
Water for Elephants has 335 pages.
Who wrote Water for Elephants?
Water for Elephants was written by Sara Gruen. It was first published in 2006.
What is the ISBN for Water for Elephants?
The ISBN-13 for Water for Elephants is 9781565125600.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
