Dust Jacket Review: Clubs: Barranca's book buddies: Books: Q&A

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August says of Marlena, "Not everyone can work with liberty horses. It's a God-given talent, a sixth sense, if you will" (page 94). Both August and Jacob recognize Marlena's skills, her "sixth sense," in working with the horses. In what ways does that sixth sense attract each man? How do August and Jacob differ in terms of the importance each places on Marlena's abilities?

In connection with Jacob's formal dinner with August and Marlena in their stateroom, Jacob remarks, "August is gracious, charming, and mischievous" (page 93). To what extent is this an adequate characterization of August? How would you expand upon Jacob's observation? How would *you* characterize August? Which situations in the novel reveal his true character?

Who did you, upon reading the prologue, think murdered August? What effect did that opening scene of chaos and murder have on your reception of the story that follows?

I have to admit, I thought Marlena had murdered August. I would never have associated the sequins etc with the elephant, nor the behaviours including the smile. It all seemed so human. I think the biggest effect the opening scene had on me, was that throughout the entire novel, I was seeking the reason for Marlena's final action. I wanted to know what finally drove her to decide to end August's life. I loved that because of my misguided belief, the book held so many more surprises.

- answer by Charlene

How does the novel's epigraph, the quote from Dr. Seuss's "Horton Hatches the Egg", apply to the novel? What are the roles and importance of faithfulness and loyalty in "Water for Elephants"? In what ways does Gruen contrast the antagonisms and cruelties of circus life with the equally impressive loyalties and instances of caring?

To what extent do the chapters concerning the elderly Jacob enhance the chapters recounting the young Jacob's experiences with the Benzini Brothers circus? In what ways do the chapters about the young Jacob contribute to a deeper understanding of the elderly Jacob's life?

I agree with Brenda. The "old man Jacob" chapters did not lend much to the young Jacob story, other than the assurance that he doesn't die. I couldn't help but be impressed with Gruen's savvy with the elderly and infirmed perspective, and I thought the interspersed nursing home chapters made for nice mini-intermissions.

I never really believed that a 93-year-old was telling the story. He constantly refers to his own "slipping mind", but we never have any evidence of that in the actual prose -- it's all crystal clear narration. There's also never any hint of Old Jacob-as-storyteller in the flashback chapters. Not that I really mind, but I found it a little confusing.

Great call on the "captivity" parallel.

- answer by cheyne

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Did you like the fact that the prologue basically misleads the reader? It definately is left vague and misleading enough for the reader to draw the wrong conclusion. Did you like this technique?

I CAN'T STAND this kind of reader manipulation in novels. Gruen, for shame! That said, Charlene is right: a lot of authors attempt this kind of technique and fail miserably. Gruen did an amazing job.

(Unfortunately) I had a bit of forewarning about the prologue's misdirection -- thanks Barranca's Book Buddies! I didn't find out it was the elephant, but I knew it probably wasn't Marlena. My one complaint is the end of the prologue, where Jacob says "I must never speak of the circus in order to keep her secret!" And then we find out he's protecting the elephant.

- answer by cheyne

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