Water for Elephants: A Novel

Name: Water for Elephants: A Novel
Rating: 7.97 (734 reviews)
ISBN: 9781565125605

Surprising, poignant, and funny, Water for Elephants is that rare novel with a story so engrossing, one is reluctant to put it down; with characters so engaging, they continue to live long after the last page has been turned; with a world built of wonder, a world so real, one starts to breathe its air.

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Published May 1, 2007

370 pages

Average rating: 7.97

734 RATINGS

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Readers say *Water for Elephants* offers an immersive glimpse into 1930s circus life with rich historical detail and memorable characters like Rosie t...

Inventorchemist

Nov 03, 2026

8/10 stars

A great read -- romance, action, circus animals, murder, unusual people -- I really enjoyed this one!

Cresta McGowan

Dec 25, 2025

10/10 stars

The true art of telling a good story comes alive in Water for Elephants. It is, hands down, one of the best books I've ever read.

Sherlock

Nov 26, 2024

8/10 stars

The theme of aging saved this book for me. Alone, the graphic account of circus life would have left too little to the imagination. Jacob J. is, as the author intended, flawed - and lovably so in my estimation. I found myself rooting for him, as one does for the underdog.

Khris Sellin

Jul 05, 2024

10/10 stars

Great read.

MollySueReading

Oct 03, 2026

Beautiful story of trust and loyalty during trying times.