Water for Elephants

I read this book in Taiwan on holiday in 2020, and there is no record of my review, so perhaps I never got around to catching up on this one...
I wrote a brief review in my travel diary, and have written it out as per that, not having a crystal clear recollection of the details!

Much better than I had expected from a holiday read, and I have not seen the film.
Told as the recollections of 90 (or 93?) year old Jacob Jankowski - his life with the train circus of the Benzini Brothers, as a young veterinarian.

This book presented as well researched with carnival facts incorporated into the story, then the authenticity explained in the authors note at the end.

The depression, prohibition, carnies, clowns - and themes of racism, antisemitism, violence against women, animal cruelty all feature. My main criticism is that Marlene seemed a bit underdeveloped as a character, which left her a bit flat.

3 stars, and under my review I wrote a list of circus/carnie books, so I guess I better add a shelf for them!