The first chapter had me grinning from ear to ear and I knew immediately that this was going to be a really good book. The story is told from the perspective of Jacob Jankowski and jumps back and forth from his younger years to the present day with Jacob in his 90's. The elderly narrative depicts his dismal life in a nursing home waiting for the occasional visit from a family member and the constant struggle to maintain his mind and dignity. His younger years are set in the midst of the Great Depression. Jacob's well thought out plans of becoming a veterinarian and joining his fathers practice are shattered due to a tragic accident. Desperate and alone, Jacob runs away and joins the circus. His innocent upbringing is immediately challenged with the rough and tumble lifestyle of the traveling circus. The carnival setting and characters are depicted with such vivid details that you feel as though you are living side by side within their world. Some parts of the book were difficult to read (namely the abuse of animals), but were perhaps a necessary evil to accurately portray a realistic view of the harsh and seedy circus life. A love triangle, a murder mystery and a madman's mania intertwine within the pages. This book filled me with a range of emotions, that only a truly well written book can do. I would highly recommend this book and look forward to reading 'Sara Gruen' again.
Paperback, 335 Pages
Published May 1st 2007 by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill (first published January 1st 2006)
ISBN 1565125606
PS - I saw the movie after reading the book and enjoyed it as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment