"Cuando el joven Jacob pierde todo, su familia y su futuro, y el mundo entero parece al borde del abismo en los difíciles an̋os treinta, se aventura en un circo ambulante para trabajar como veterinario. Transcurren tiempos de penuria y crueldad, pero también de ensuen̋o y plenitud, pues Jacob encuentra en el deslumbrante espectáculo de los hermanos Benzini la amistad, al amor de su vida a la traviesa elefanta Rosie."--P. [4] of cover.
A novel of star-crossed lovers, set in the circus world circa 1932. When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, grifters, 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 …
"Cuando el joven Jacob pierde todo, su familia y su futuro, y el mundo entero parece al borde del abismo en los difíciles an̋os treinta, se aventura en un circo ambulante para trabajar como veterinario. Transcurren tiempos de penuria y crueldad, pero también de ensuen̋o y plenitud, pues Jacob encuentra en el deslumbrante espectáculo de los hermanos Benzini la amistad, al amor de su vida a la traviesa elefanta Rosie."--P. [4] of cover.
A novel of star-crossed lovers, set in the circus world circa 1932. When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, grifters, 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.
I read this in one sitting. It's well-written and the story is very compelling. The beginning is a bit rough (emotionally), but it's worth sticking it out. The way she closes the circle in the last few chapters is very satisfying.
I read this in one sitting. It's well-written and the story is very compelling. The beginning is a bit rough (emotionally), but it's worth sticking it out. The way she closes the circle in the last few chapters is very satisfying.
Generally well-received. And the ambiguous initial flashback fooled just about everyone. It was well researched, and aside from the plot, a fascinating glimpse into circus life during the depression.
