Book Sense Book of the Year Award
2007 · Adult Fiction · Winner
About This Book
As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie.
It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.
It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.
Awards
Great Lakes Book Award
2007 · Fiction · Winner
Midwest Booksellers' Choice Award
2007 · Fiction · Winner
Audies
2007 · Fiction-Unabridged · Finalist
Alex Award
2007 · Adult/For Young Adults · Winner
Book Club Picks
2006 · Costco's Buyer's Pick
Quill Award
2006 · General Fiction · Nominee
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